Lagune et barrage de Smir

Marais de Smir
Rive du barrage de Smir - Reposoir d'oies

Lagune et barrage de Smir

  • Country: 
    Morocco
  • Site number: 
    2380
  • Area: 
    837 ha
  • Designation date: 
    22-05-2019
  • Coordinates: 
    35°41'N 05°22'W
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

The Site consists of a coastal marshy lagoon on the small coastal alluvial plain of the Smir wadi (river), and a reservoir less than ten kilometres upstream. The lagoon is a Mediterranean estuarine ecosystem, which is rare in Morocco. The Site is home to diverse plant and animal life, as evidenced by the presence of 13 algal species and nearly 90 vascular plants and some 165 vertebrate species, including eight amphibians, 22 reptiles, 35 mammals and about 100 migratory waterbirds. There are threatened species such as the common pochard (Aythya ferina) and the North African fire salamander (Salamandra algira). The Site lies on the East Atlantic flyway, and is a key stop for about 60 species of Western Palearctic waterbirds during their passage and also over the winter. Its three main wetland types (marine and coastal, continental and human-made) provide a wide range of ecosystem services for surrounding populations. Despite the few threats to its ecological character, measures are being implemented to improve water quality and monitor birds.

Administrative region: 
Région de Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima

  • Global international designation: 
    • UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
  • Last publication date: 
    15-07-2019

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)

Additional reports and documents