Lago de Apanás-Asturias. 08/11/01; Jinotega; 5,415 ha; 13°10'N 085°58'W. An artificial lake or reservoir formed by two electricity-producing barrages of the Río Tuma in the mountainous north of the country, characterized by seasonally flooded agricultural land, water storage areas, and canals for transport and drainage. The endangered Perro de Agua "water dog" (Plata Otter, Lutra longicaudis) is supported, and the site is also important for a number of aquatic birds and for fish, a number of which have high economic value in the area. The site has high potential for ecotourism because of its migratory birds and artisanal fishing practices, and recreational and educational potentials are high as well. Ramsar site no. 1137. Most recent RIS information: 2001.