Camargue. 01/12/86; Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur; 85,000 ha; 43°30'N 004°30'E. Biosphere Reserve, Special Protection Area EC Directive; National Reserve, Regional Natural Park, Hunting Reserve. The Rhône River delta, incorporating vast expanses of permanent and seasonal lagoons, lakes and ponds interspersed with extensive Salicornia flats, freshwater marshes, and a dune complex. The wetlands, subject to a salinity gradient, are partly supplied by rainfall, but the main source is groundwater pumped to sustain irrigated agriculture. The Camargue is of international importance for nesting, staging and wintering waterbirds. Among the various breeding species are Ardeidae (herons, bitterns, etc.), with extremely large numbers of Anatidae (ducks, geese, swans, etc.) occurring in winter. Human activities include tourism, hunting, fishing, agriculture and raising livestock. Ramsar site no. 346. Most recent RIS information: 1995.