The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Annotated Ramsar List: Denmark

The Annotated Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

DENMARK / DANEMARK / DINAMARCA

The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Denmark on 2 January 1978. Denmark presently has 38 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 2,078,823 hectares.

site; date of designation; region, province, state; surface area; coordinates
site; date de désignation; région, province, état; superficie; coordonnées
sitios; fecha de designación; región, provincia, estado; área; coordenadas

Ertholmene. 02/09/77; Bornholm; 1,250 ha; 55º19'N 015º11'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Area, Scientific Sanctuary. A group of rocky islands, two of which are inhabited. The area is important for several species of breeding waterbirds and the only breeding locality in Denmark for Guillemot (Uria aalge) and Razorbill (Alca torda). The islands are of great cultural, historical, and architectural value. A bird observatory is located at the site. The main island is intensively visited by tourists but there is no public access to the wetland parts. Ramsar site no. 165. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Filsø. 02/09/77; Ribe; 4,270 ha; 55º42'N 008º15'E. ; Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Area. Formerly a large, shallow lake drained for agricultural land and pasture. About 1,200ha are intensively farmed and protected from flooding by dikes and water pumping. Two lakes surrounded by Salix scrub and reedbeds remain. The site is internationally important for wintering and staging waterbirds, including (in 2002) Cygnus cygnus (500), C. columbianus bewickii (300), Anser brachyrhynchus (25,000) and A. anser (20,000), and Anas acuta (1,500). The area is important botanically. Nutrient-enrichment from agricultural runoff is problematic, but in 2002 the amount is decreasing due to the Action Plan for the Aquatic Environment. Human activities include hunting. Private access is limited. Ramsar site no. 140. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Hirsholmene. 02/09/77; Norjylland; 374 ha; 57º29'N 010º38'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Area. A group of small, rocky, coastal islands and surrounding shallow waters. Only the main island, Hirsholm, is inhabited. The submerged limestone formations support rich communities of algae and littoral lichens; the habitat of stony islets with northern Atlantic seabird colonies is very rare in Denmark, and the "bubbling reefs" are unique in the country. The site is internationally important for numerous species of wintering and staging waterbirds. It is also one of the most important breeding areas in Denmark for the gulls Larus ridibundus and Larus canus, the Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis, Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle, and Rock Pipit Anthus spinoletta. The site is important for marine biology research. Rats, which destroyed the breeding colony of Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) in 1968, have been exterminated. Sheep have been introduced to keep the vegetation low. Ramsar site no. 147. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Horsens Fjord & Endelave. 02/09/77; Arhus, Vejle; 42,580 ha; 55º51’N 010º10’E. Special Protection Area EC Directive, Nature Conservation Area, Wildlife Reserve. A shallow fjord, adjacent sea area with reefs, sand-banks, saltmarshes, islets and lagoons including partly cultivated, inhabited islands. The site is the most important area in the vicinity for the seal, Phoca vitulina. The site is internationally important for breeding, molting, wintering and staging various species of waterbirds. Human activities include fish-farming and intensive hunting. There is a field laboratory for monitoring and research. During nesting, public access is prohibited. Ramsar site no. 152. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Karrebaek, Dybsø & Avnø Fjords. 02/09/77; Storstrøm; 18,860 ha; 55º10’N 011º45’E. Special Protection Area EC Directive, Nature Conservation Areas, Wildlife Reserve. A shallow coastal area of open water with reefs, sand-banks, lagoons, saltmarshes, islands, reedbeds, cultivated land, woodland, and scattered habitation. The site is internationally important for wintering and staging waterbirds such as cormorants, swans and ducks and is an important breeding area for dabbling ducks. The fjords support a diverse marine fauna, algal flora, and are breeding and haul-out areas for seals. Parts of the common land and saltmarshes were becoming overgrown due to reduced grazing, but an RIS update of 2002 notes "in cooperation with private owners the Storstrøm County has re-established the former management, especially extensive grazing of the saltmarshes". Hunting birds from motor boats is prohibited and leisure activities are popular. Ramsar site no. 159. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Læsø. 02/09/77; Norjylland; 66,380 ha; 57º12’N 011º10’E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Areas, Scientific Reserve. The largest Danish tidal saltmarsh outside the Wadden Sea. The site includes open water, extensive mudflats, sand-banks, heathland, islets and areas of arable land. An internationally important area for wintering, molting and staging waterbirds. Breeding mammals include seals (Phoca vitulina). The decline in grazing has led to vegetational succession in the saltmarsh. Scrub clearance has been implemented to re-establish open heathland and pastures. Human activities include recreation and hunting from motor boats. Ramsar site no. 149. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Lillebælt. 02/09/77; Vejle, Fyn, South Jutland; 35,058 ha; 55º21'N 009º43'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive, Wildlife Reserves, Nature Conservation Area. A narrow strait of shallow, coastal water, islands, peninsulas, coves, lagoons, saltmarshes, reedbeds and farmland. Parts of the site are used for commercial fish-farming. An internationally important area for breeding, wintering and staging waterbirds, including cormorants, ducks, and geese. Human activities include hunting. 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. Ramsar site no. 154. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Maribo Lakes. 02/09/77; Storstrøm; 3,810 ha; 54º46'N 011º31'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Area. Several freshwater lakes supporting wooded islands, reedbeds, adjoining meadows, deciduous woodland with scattered shoreline habitation. There are several calcareous fens with orchid populations along the shores of the lakes. An internationally important area for wintering and staging geese and sea ducks and a nesting site for various waterbirds, supporting more than 1% of the individuals (in 1999) of Greylag Goose, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, and Smew (Mergus albellus). Eutrophication from nutrients from adjacent farmland is a potential threat, as is discontinuation of cattle grazing. Restoration of Hejrede Lake was initiated in 1993. Ramsar site no. 163. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Nærå Coast & Æbelø area. 02/09/77; Funen; 13,060 ha; 55º36'N 010º13'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive, Nature Conservation Areas, Wildlife Reserve. Shallow coastal waters with islands, saltmarshes, farmland, and forested areas. The site includes Gyldensteen's meadows, one of the few staging areas in Denmark for the goose Anser albifrons. An internationally important area for wintering and staging waterbirds, including cormorants and geese. Declining grazing has resulted in meadow succession, posing a threat to goose populations. Several Stone Age settlements and burial mounds are found within the site. Ramsar site no. 155. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Nakskov Fjord & Inner Fjord. 02/09/77; Storstrøm; 8,552 ha; 54º50'N 011º02'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Wildlife Reserves. Shallow fjord area of open water with sand-banks, inhabited and uninhabited islands, saltmarshes, reedbeds, freshwater ponds and sand beaches. Internationally important for wintering and staging various species of waterbirds, the site supports more than 1% of the biogeographical population of Mute and Whooper Swans and coots. Limited circulation and replacement of water and eutrophication from nutrients in the Inner Fjord make the area "very vulnerable", but the water quality has improved during the past three years (2002). Ramsar site no. 162. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Nissum Bredning with Harboøre & Agger Tange. 02/09/77; Ringkøbing, Viborg; 12,772 ha; 56º38'N 008º15'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Areas, Wildlife Reserve. A shallow fjord area, open water, saltmarsh, sand flats, meadows, agricultural land, brackish lagoons and reedbeds. An internationally important area for breeding, wintering and staging various species of waterbirds. A breeding colony of the seal Phoca vitulina is also supported. Declining grazing has resulted in marsh and meadow degradation. Public access is regulated. As of 2002, management of the marshes on Harboøre Tange had improved considerable during the past decade as most of the marshes are now grazed by cattle. In autumn 1998 a sluice was removed, which until then had prevented saltwater from the Limfjord from entering the area. This experiment in maintaining the water level will be evaluated soon. Ramsar site no. 144. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Nissum Fjord. 02/09/77; Ringkøbing; 10,890 ha; 56º21'N 008º14'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Areas Wildlife Reserve. A shallow, very eutrophic, brackish fjord connected to the North Sea by sluices. There are areas of saltmarsh, uninhabited islands supporting heathland vegetation, brackish meadows and extensive reedbeds. An internationally important area for breeding, wintering and staging various species of waterbirds. Human activities include reed harvesting and cattle grazing, and agriculture in the surrounding area. Eutrophication and loss of underwater vegetation have reduced the numbers of birds of passage. Ramsar site no. 143. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Nordre Rønner. 02/09/77; Norjylland; 2,920 ha; 57º22’N 010º56’E. Special Protection Area EC Directive. Numerous small, rocky, coastal islets and surrounding waters, the shallow areas of which support a diverse algal flora. The site is important for wintering and staging various species of waterbirds. It is also a nationally important breeding area for Rissa tridactyla (20 pairs), Cepphus grylle (75 pairs), and Anthus spinoletta (25 pairs) (1977 figures). Breeding mammals include the seal Phoca vitulina. Scrub encroachment on the islets affects the numbers of breeding birds. Ramsar site no. 148. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Præstø Fjord, Jungshoved Nor, Ulvshale & Nyord. 02/09/77; Storstrøm; 24,640 ha; 55º05'N 012º15'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Areas, Scientific Sanctuary, Experimental Wildlife Reserve. Shallow, coastal waters with reefs, mudflats, sand-banks, islets, reedbeds, and the largest continuous area of saltmarsh in southeastern Denmark. Terrestrial areas include deciduous woodland, heathland, cultivated land and scattered human habitation. Internationally important for wintering and staging of numerous species of waterbirds, the site supports more than 1% of at least five species of swans, geese, wigeons, and coots. A diverse flora is supported, including many rare species. Declining grazing and haymaking have resulted in areas of marsh becoming overgrown. A visitors' centre and observation towers have been in operation since 2001. Hunting from motor boats is prohibited. Ramsar site no. 161. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Randers & Mariager Fjords & the adjacent sea. 02/09/77; Norjylland, Aarhus; 39,040 ha; 56º39'N 010º20'E. Nature Conservation Area, Wildlife Reserve. A shallow fjord, small islets, saltmarshes, mudflats and cultivated land. An internationally important site for breeding, wintering and staging various species of waterbirds. 47% of the Svalbard population of the goose Branta bernicla hrota (2,360 in 1999) gather in winter. Human activities include recreational summer boating, autumn and winter hunting. Further decline of submerged vegetation due to eutrophication is seen as a threat. Ramsar site no. 150. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Ringkøbing Fjord. 02/09/77; Ringkøbing; 27,720 ha; 56º00’N 008º15’E. Added to the Montreux Record, 4 July 1990. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Area, Scientific Reserves. An embayment of the North Sea, cut off by sand-bars. Water flow from fjord to sea is artificially controlled. The site supports extensive reedbeds, saltmarshes, low-lying meadows, and uninhabited islands. It is an internationally important area for breeding, wintering and staging numerous species of waterbirds. During the 1970s and 1980s serious problems of sedimentation and nutrient-enrichment developed as a result of regulation of the River Skjern and runoff of agricultural nutrients. Associated changes in ecological character led to designation to the Montreux Record in 1990. Human activities include commercial fishing, reed harvesting, sheep grazing, hunting, and extensive farming. A Ramsar Advisory Mission visited the site in 1996, and many of its recommendations have been implemented. Ramsar site no. 141. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Sejrø Bugt, Nekselø Bugt & Saltbæk Vig. 02/09/77; Vestsjælland; 43,877 ha; 55º47'N 011º18'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive, Nature Conservation Areas. Shallow coastal waters with cultivated islands, sand and gravel bars, heathland, reedbeds, meadows, saltmarshes, and an artificially regulated lake. The site forms the most important Danish moulting area for the goose Anser anser and is internationally important for wintering and staging geese and sea ducks, with more than 1% of the biogeographic population of Eider Somateria mollissima and Common Scooter Melanitta nigra. Two invasive plant species, Rosa rogusa and Heracleum pubescens, are spreading along the coastline (as of 2002). Human activities include hunting, mineral extraction, and conversion of meadows for cultivation. Public access is limited. Ramsar site no. 157. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

South Funen Archipelago. 02/09/77; Funen; 38,440 ha; 55º00'N 010º20'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive, Nature Conservation Areas, Wildlife Reserves. Shallow coastal waters with reefs, islands, saltmarshes, reedbeds, and farmland, a "drowned, undulating moraine landscape [that] is unique in Europe". One of the most important molting areas in Denmark for the Mute Swan Cygnus olor, and an internationally important breeding, wintering and staging area for numerous species of waterbirds. Declining cattle grazing and increasing drainage and cultivation have reduced breeding habitat for waterbirds. Human activities include regulated hunting. Ramsar site no. 156. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Stadil & Veststadil Fjords. 02/09/77; Ringkøbing; 6,913 ha; 56º11'N 008º09'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Area. Two shallow fjords with four lakes surrounded by extensive reed swamp, meadows, fields and dunes, with adjacent agricultural land. An internationally important area for wintering and staging waterbirds, including greater than 1% populations of at least five species, among them Cygnus columbianus bewickii and Anser brachyrhynchus, and the red-listed plantain species Luronium natans is supported. Human activities include tourism, hunting and reed harvesting. A visitors' centre and hides were established in 2000. Ramsar site no. 142. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Stavns Fjord & adjacent waters. 02/09/77; Aarhus; 15,450 ha; 55º54’N 010º40’E. Special Protection Area EC Directive, Nature Conservation Area, Nature Reserve, Wildlife Reserve. Shallow sea and fjord areas of reefs, sand-banks, islands, and saltmarshes, with farmland on inhabited islands. A rich marine flora and fauna are supported and parts of the site are used for commercial fish-farming. The site is internationally important for various species of breeding, molting, staging and wintering waterbirds, and includes haul-out areas for the seal, Phoca vitulina. Human activities include diving, windsurfing, hunting and exploitation of raw materials. Public access is prohibited during the breeding season. There has been mineral extraction from the sea bed, and archaeological, geological, and ecological research is carried out at the field station. Ramsar site no. 153. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Ulvedybet & Nibe Bredning. 02/09/77; Norjylland; 18,530 ha; 57º02'N 009º35'E. Special Protection Area under EC Directive; Nature Conservation Area, Wildlife Reserves. A shallow fjord surrounded by marshes and reedbeds, including open water, islets, mudflats, saltmarsh, small lakes and agricultural land. It is internationally important for wintering and staging various species of waterbirds and supports more than 1% of the biogeographic populations of Whooper and Bewick's Swans and Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota). Ramsar site no. 146. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Vadehavet (Wadden Sea). 14/05/87; Ribe, Sonderjylland; 150,482 ha; 55º16’N 008º32’E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Areas, Scientific Reserve, Wildlife Reserve. The Danish section of the Wadden Sea, characterized by tidal mud and sand flats, vast saltmarshes, brackish and freshwater marshland, and arable land. The site supports internationally important numbers of seals and waterbirds of various species using the site for breeding, wintering and staging. Mussel harvesting is regulated and livestock grazing is managed for the benefit of bird life. Ramsar site no. 356.

Vejlerne & Løgstør Bredning. 02/09/77; Viborg, Norjylland; 41,743 ha; 57º01’N 009º00’E. Special Protection Area EC Bird and Habitat Directives; Nature Conservation Area, Wildlife Reserves. A shallow, brackish fjord of open water, shoals, islands and saltmarshes. Abandonment of unsuccessful reclamation efforts led to the development of extensive reedbeds, lakes and meadows. The site is now internationally important for nesting, wintering and staging numerous species of waterbirds. A field laboratory is present and a new interpretation center, with several observation towers and hides, was established in 2001. Hunting from motor boats is prohibited in some areas, but pursued intensively in others. Ramsar site no. 145. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Waters between Lolland & Falster, including Rødsand, Guldborg Sound, & Bøtø Nor. 02/09/77; Storstrøm; 37,210 ha; 54º38'N 011º45'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Conservation Areas, Wildlife Reserves. Shallow, coastal waters, shoals, sand-banks, uninhabited islands, saltmarshes and reedbeds. The mainland terrestrial areas support farmland and woodland. An internationally important area for breeding, wintering and staging numerous species of waterbirds, and a particularly important moulting area for Mute Swan Cygnus olor. There are also breeding and haul-out areas for Common Seal Phoca vitulina and Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus. Hunting from motor boats is prohibited in selected areas. Ramsar site no. 164. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Waters north of Anholt. 02/09/77; Aarhus; 11,520 ha; 56º42'N 011º34'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive, Nature Conservation Area. Sandy beaches, a small area of the island's point, and shallow, open sea, with sand-banks and reefs. The only Danish breeding site for the mammal Halichoerus grypus, seals (Phoca vitulina) also breed here. The site is internationally important for supporting more than 1% of the population of Eider Somateria mollissima (98,500). Human activities include extensive stone and gravel extraction (until recently). Public access is limited and hunting has been prohibited. Ramsar site no. 151. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Waters south of Zealand, Skælskør Fjord, Glænø and adjacent wetlands. 02/09/77; Vestsjaelland; 18,492 ha; 55º10'N 011º30'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive, Nature Conservation Areas. A coastal area and open water with reefs, coves, saltmarshes, reedbeds, lakes, islands, woodland and farmland. The island of Agersø has a population of the endangered amphibian Bombina bombina, and the whole site is internationally important for wintering, staging and molting numerous species of waterbirds, including four above the 1% threshold. Public access is prohibited during the breeding season, and hunting is prohibited at all times. Potential threats are noted from cessation of cattle grazing and pollution from leached farmland nitrates. Ramsar site no. 158. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Waters southeast of Fejø & Femø islands. 02/09/77; Storstrøm; 41,680 ha; 54º54'N 011º30'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Wildlife Reserves. A shallow coastal area of open water with reefs, sand-banks, mudflats, uninhabited islets, saltmarshes, reedbeds, islands supporting cultivated land and scattered habitation. Mainland coastal areas support deciduous woodland. An internationally important area for various species of wintering and staging waterbirds, include Mute Swan Cygnus olor and Whooper Swam Cygnus cygnus. Human activities include recreational activities and agriculture. There is heavy hunting pressure in the open sea areas, although hunting from motor boats is prohibited. A project for sustainable development of the archipelago emphasis on tourism, nature, and environment has been in progress for the past seven years (as of 2002). Water levels are managed to optimize conditions for waterbirds. Ramsar site no. 160. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

DENMARK (Greenland) / DANEMARK (Groenland) / DINAMARCA (Groenlandia)

Aqajarua (Mudderbugten) and Sullorsuaq (Kvandalen). 27/01/88; Qeqertarsuaq; 22,350 ha; 69º39’N 051º58’W. A shallow marine area and adjacent river valley forming an extensive coastal delta with vast mudflats, sand banks and saltmarsh, dominated by a large ice-cap. Vegetation varies from heathland and water tolerant plants to sparse alpine communities. An important area for several species of breeding and staging shorebirds and the most important site in the western Arctic for molting Somateria spectabilis (30,000). Local people harvest the area’s natural resources and hunting is regulated. Ramsar site no. 381. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Eqalummiut Nunaat and Nassuttuup Nunaa. 27/01/88; Kangaatsiaq, Sisimiut; 579,530 ha; 67º28’N 050º49’W. A diverse topography of plateau landscapes interspersed with lowland areas of extensive grass steppes, swamp, marshland, numerous lakes, and extensive tracts of dry, barren land at altitude. The site is divided by large glacial valleys, draining the Greenland ice-cap. One of the most important areas in Greenland for the threatened goose Anser albifrons flavirostris, with 3,000 individuals (ca.6% of the world population) gathering to molt. Numerous species of breeding and non-breeding birds use the site. Part of the site has been designated as a reserve for caribou that calve in the area. There are summer hunting and fishing camps. The musk ox (Ovibos moschatus), introduced to west Greenland, is slowly spreading into the site. Ramsar site no. 386. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Heden (Jameson Land). 27/01/88; Ittoqqortoormiit; 252,390 ha; 70º58’N 024º04’W. Part of the largest tundra area in Greenland, includes numerous shallow lakes, wet heathland, meadows, streams and rivers. It is an important staging area for geese and numerous species of breeding waterbirds, and the single most important moulting area for barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis), with ca.7% of the flyway population. Seasonal harvesting of natural resources is carried out by local people and hunting is regulated. An oil exploration programme has been active since 1985. Ramsar site no. 389. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Hochstetter Forland. 27/01/88; 184,820 ha; 75º28’N 019º52’W. National Park. A low-lying wetland complex of numerous small lakes, surrounded by extensive areas of tundra. An important area for staging geese and for numerous species of breeding waterbirds, particularly Pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus). Some seasonal harvesting of natural resources is carried out by local people and hunting is regulated. Ramsar site no. 390. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Ikkattoq and adjacent archipelago. 27/01/88; Nuuk; 44,880 ha; 62º40’N 050º08’W. A shallow, tidal fjord, extensive mudflats and numerous small islands. The area is important for the globally threatened sea eagle, which breeds at the site, staging marine ducks, and Greenland’s largest known molting flock of Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator (1,000 individuals in 1985, 474 in 1999). Ramsar site no. 387. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Kilen. 27/01/88; 51,280 ha; 81º10’N 013º24’W. National Park. A seasonally ice-free valley located in the high arctic, comprising large flat gravel plains surrounded by glaciers and sea-ice. The site is an important staging and breeding area for waterbirds and the most important molting area for Light-bellied brent goose (Branta bernicla hrota). Some seasonal natural resource harvesting is carried out by local people and hunting is regulated. Ramsar site no. 391. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Kitsissunnguit (Grønne Ejland). 27/01/88; Qasigiannquit, Aasiaa; 6,910 ha; 68º50'N 051º56'W. A group of flat, rocky islands, heathland, small lakes, meadows, and adjacent shallow sea areas. The area supports large numbers of staging waterbirds and several species of breeding birds. Public access and hunting are regulated; increased collection of eggs is seen as a potential threat. Ramsar site no. 384. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Kitsissut Avalliit (Ydre Kitsissut). 27/01/88; Qaqortoq; 4,470 ha; 60º45'N 048º25'W. A group of thinly vegetated rocky islands 10km off the southwestern coast, several of which are submerged during spring tides. The area is important for breeding various species of sea birds, including internationally important numbers of Brünnich's guillemots and common guillemots. Ramsar site no. 388. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Kuannersuit Kuussuat. 27/01/88; Qeqertarsuaq; 5,190 ha; 69º38'N 053º17'W. A broad valley subject to recent glacial influences, consisting of moraine debris and small pools. A braided river system flows through the site, draining adjoining glaciated mountains. Several hot springs are found within the site, and the glacier at the head of the valley, as of May 2002, had surged 10km in merely four years, now covering 14% of the Ramsar site. The area is important for several species of breeding waterbirds. Some harvesting of the area's natural resources is carried out by local people. Ramsar site no. 383. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Naternaq (Lersletten). 27/01/88; Qasigiannquit, Kangaatsiaq; 184,010 ha; 68º24'N 051º46'W. One of the most important wetland complexes in western Greenland, comprising an extensive marshy plain, numerous shallow lakes, and meandering streams. The site is of particular botanical significance, supporting diverse communities from dense moss mats to dwarf scrub heath. The area supports the highest densities of the summering goose Anser albifrons flavirostris (some 9-20% of world population, with 2588 birds in 1992 and about 6,000 in 1998) to be found in Greenland, as well as various species of breeding birds. There are no permanent human settlements, although there is some winter hunting and a summer camp on the site's periphery. As of 2002, the musk ox (Ovibos moschatus) has been introduced, because of the abundance of its winter food in lowland areas, and small numbers are frequently recorded within the site. Ramsar site no. 385. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

Qínnquata Marraa and Kuussuaq. 27/01/88; Qeqertarsuaq; 6,480 ha; 69º56'N 054º14'W. Two broad valleys subject to active periglacial processes, the site includes extensive intertidal mudflats and the shallow head of a fjord. Valley bottoms contain braided melt-water rivers draining surrounding glaciated areas. Various wetland types from extensive moss-sedge meadows to marshes and pools provide feeding areas for waterbirds. The single most important molting area in Greenland for King eiders (Somateria spectabilis), the area is internationally important for breeding waterbirds, and low numbers of several species use the area for staging. Ramsar site no. 382. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 19 January 2000, updated 23 March 2003, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.