Xuan Thuy Natural Wetland Reserve. 20/09/88; Nam Ha; 12,000 ha; 20°10'N 106°20'E. Strict Nature Reserve. Delta and estuary islands supporting the last significant remnants of coastal mangrove and mudflat ecosystems in the Red River Delta; includes land enclosed by sea dikes, with fringing marshes. A critically important area for migratory waterbirds and shorebirds, regularly supporting several globally threatened species. Human uses include fishing and aquaculture yielding up to 10,300 tonnes per year, rice production yielding 40,000 tonnes per year, duck rearing, bird hunting, and reed harvesting. The mangrove forest is of considerable importance in maintaining the fishery, as a source of timber and fuelwood, and in protecting coastal settlements from the full impact of typhoons. Ramsar site no. 409. Most recent RIS information: 1992.