Lillebælt. 02/09/77; Region Syddanmark; 35,189 ha; 55°21'N 009°43'E. Natura 2000 (SPA, SAC), Wildlife Reserves, Nature Conservation Area. A narrow strait of shallow, coastal water, islands, peninsulas, coves, lagoons, saltmarshes, reedbeds and farmland. The site is an internationally important area for breeding, wintering and staging waterbirds, including cormorants, ducks, and geese. Human activities include hunting and commercial fish-farming. As of 2002, intervention and sanctions by environmental authorities have diminished industrial pollution (CaSO4) and discharge of oxygen-consuming materials, but pollution, eutrophication, and hunting are still perceived as potential threats. Management plans have been developed in 2011 prioritizing specific goals to improve the water quality and the ecological status of the wetland and its catchment and coastal areas. Ramsar site no. 154. Most recent RIS information: 2012.