Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin de Guadeloupe. 08/12/93; Guadeloupe; 29,500 ha; 16º19'26"N 061º35'28"W. National Park, Biosphere Reserve. A vast lagoon, several islands and associated littoral zones along the Caribbean Sea, bounded to the north by a large coral reef. The littoral zone consists of brackish marshes, wet meadows, mudflats, freshwater swamp forests and, most importantly, mangroves. At 29°C, it is some of the warmest water to be found in the region. The site is an important area for fish, especially as nursery. Out of 600 known species of fish in the Caribbean region, 261 of them have been identified at the site. Numerous species of migratory, non-migratory and nesting birds use the site, many of them globally threatened. Human activities include small-scale fishing in mangrove areas, agriculture and tourism. The site, especially the mangrove area, is valuable in terms of sediment trapping, water purification, and storm protection. Threats to the area include mangrove and coral reef destruction, illegal waste dumping, overfishing and certain types of tourist activities. (The site was extended in 2012 from 20,000 ha.) Ramsar Site no. 642. Most recent RIS information: 2012.