Data Zone
Country/territory: China (mainland)
IBA Criteria met: -
For more information about IBA criteria please click here
Area: 862,612 ha
Site description
This Marine IBA is identified using seaward extensions around breeding colonies. It originates from the China (mainland) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and falls within the Pacific, Northwest FAO ocean region. The site covers an area of 8626 km2 and borders the coastline. The depth ranges from 0 to 57 m, with a mean annual wind speed of 2.21 m/s and mean annual sea surface temperature falls between 19.62 and 21.99 °C.
Key biodiversity
5 species trigger IBA criteria at this Marine IBA. Seaward extensions around breeding colony; Matsu (Mazu) Islands Tern Refuge include key near-colony areas for breeding populations of Bridled Tern (LC) 1650-2640 individuals, Great Crested Tern (LC) 2095-2095 individuals, Chinese Crested Tern (CR) 400-400 individuals, Roseate Tern (LC) 520-2090 individuals and Black-naped Tern (LC) 250-250 individuals.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Matsu (Mazu) Islands Tern Refuge - Marine. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 21/03/2023.
