Estero El Soldado. 02/02/11; Sonora; 350 ha; 27°57'48"N 110°58'33"W. Despite its small size the estuary contains high biodiversity, which has earned the title of "unique among the estuaries of the Sea of Cortez." It is representative of a natural coastal wetland of the Mexican Pacific Ocean and is considered the healthiest and most flourishing of its distribution in the northern Gulf of California. Three species of mangrove occur, the Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans), the Red Mangrove (Rizophora mangle), and the White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). There is an initial registration of 408 species: 121 invertebrates, 80 fish, 75 birds, 11 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 9 mammals, and 103 plants. The estuary contributes to flood control when there are meteorological events such as cyclones and storms that bring large amounts of water. The uses of the estuary include the extraction and consumption of fishery resources as well as research and education activities. The site is an Area Subject to Ecological Conservation area since 2006. Ramsar Site no. 1982. Most recent RIS information: 2011.