Albufera de Valencia. 05/12/89; Comunidad Valenciana; 21,000 ha; 39°20'N 000°21'W. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Natural Park. A large coastal lagoon fed by streams, rivers and irrigation channels, fringed by areas of rice cultivation. The site is separated from the sea by an urbanized dune peninsula. Vegetation is dominated by aquatic, halophytic, and dune communities. The site's fauna is notable for its species diversity. Regional endemics include fish and crustaceans. The area supports a rich assemblage of breeding waterbirds, and large numbers of various species of waterbirds, especially ducks, winter at the site. Human activities include rice cultivation, fishing, and hunting. Ramsar site no. 454. Most recent RIS information: 1999.