This Site comprises a section of the Blackwater River’s main channel from Youghal New Bridge to the Ferry Point peninsula, close to where the River enters the sea. At low tide, intertidal sand and mud flats are exposed. These rare habitats support eel grass, worms and molluscs, all of which are important feeding resources for wintering waterbirds including endangered species such as the northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and the great northern loon (Gavia immer). The Estuary is a passage for a range of nationally endangered migratory fish species such as the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). A stable population of otters (Lutra lutra) can also be found. The Site is ideal for recreation, nature observation, scientific species monitoring and research. It is also important for coastal flood protection, shoreline stabilisation, and sediment and nutrient retention. One of the biggest threats is pollution through inflow of insufficiently treated sewage.