Vassorfjärden Bay. 02/02/04; Western Finland; 1,537 ha; 63°12'N 021°59'E. Natura 2000 SPA and SCI, WHCP. Vassorfjärden Bay, formed by the River Kyrönjoki, is one of the largest estuaries in Finland, with a large shallow water zone because of silt brought by the river. The reed zone is very extensive. Shores are diverse with silt-rocky and turf shores and extensive sedge meadows. Because of sedimentation and land upheaval the vegetation is in a continuous process of change. The wetland is for the most part surrounded by forests and on the northwestern side by agricultural land. It is an important breeding and staging area for waterfowl and waders during migration and molting periods and provides habitat for the threatened Russian Flying Squirrel. Dredging of boating channels, embankment creation and acid waters leaking from embankments have destroyed vegetation in many places, and the wetland area has diminished by hundreds of hectares. The former significance as an important spawning area has weakened as fish and bottom fauna have disappeared in certain areas. The eastern shores are densely built and a main road crosses the southern edge of the bay. Nonetheless, birdwatching remains a significant activity. Ramsar site no. 1538. Most recent RIS information: 2005.