Marismas de Santoña. 04/10/94; Cantabria; 6,907 ha; 43°25'N 003°26'W. European Union Special Protection Area; Natural Reserve. The most important coastal wetland for northern Iberian Peninsula waterbirds, consisting of an estuary supporting extensive salt marshes. Other habitats include meadows, beaches, dunes, cliffs, and stands of oak forest. The site supports a diverse flora representing halophytic and freshwater communities. Internationally important numbers of various species of waterbirds use the site for nesting, staging and wintering. Human activities include fisheries, marine aquaculture, and beach recreation. Ramsar site no. 707. Most recent RIS information: 1999.