Ria de Aveiro

The 45-km long Aveiro Lagoon is one of Europe's last remaining untouched coastal marshlands. It is also a haven for numerous bird species. Tourism and aquaculture are the mainstay of the Aveiro Lagoon region. It is also renowned for its artisan fishing and as a center for the collection of flor de sal, an expensive salt variety.

Conservation

Ria de Aveiro is protected under the European Union's Natura 2000 network, under both the Habitats and the Birds Directives. Under the Birds Directive, it was designated a Special Protection Area (EU code PTZPEO004) in March 1988, based mainly on the importance of the area for waterbirds. More recently, in August 2014 it was also proposed as a Site of Community Importance, under Habitats Directive (EU code PTCON0061).