A complex of wetlands along the west-central coast of Sardinia, surrounding the town of Oristano, and divided into the following main subsites: Mistras, Cabras, Mar'e Pauli, Santa Giusta, S'Ena Arrubia, Pauli Maiori, Pauli Menta, San Giovanni, Marceddì, Corru s'Ittiri, Putzu Idu, Is Benas, Sa Salina Manna and Sale Porcus. These areas include freshwater and brackish lagoons, ponds, large reedbeds (especially at Santa Giusta) and saltpans, as well as sand-dunes, rocky coasts (between Cuccuru Mannu and Su Tingiosu and at Capo Mannu), and adjacent agricultural land. The main activities are fisheries and aquaculture.
Key biodiversity
A very important site for wintering waterbirds (up to 50,000 or more), especially wildfowl and Phoenicopterus ruber, as well as for migrating Aythya nyroca and for several breeding waterbirds. The total number of waterbirds in January 1993 was 35,775, with 58,367 in January 1994. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (1-3 pairs breed, max. 13 birds in winter), Tetrax tetrax (resident), Larus audouinii (non-breeding visitor).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The main threats are the burning of vegetation, illegal hunting, and water pollution due to untreated urban and industrial sewage. Over-fishing and agricultural intensification in the surrounding areas are important potential threats to the site. Shooting of Phalacrocorax carbo was authorized in 1994, 1995 and 1996 by the regional authority and the Instituto Nazionale Fauna Selvatica, as the birds were thought to be reducing fish populations in the lagoons. A Regional Nature Park has been proposed for the area of Sinis, and a Regional Nature Reserve for Corru s'Ittiri. Sale Porcus is managed by LIPU.
Protected areas
National Low International HighIBA contains Marine Nature Reserve (Penisola del Sinis-Isola di Mal di Ventre, area not known). 3,575 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Stagno di Cabras, 3,575 ha). 2,610 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Stagno di Corru s'Ittiri, 2,610 ha). 680 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Stagno di Mistras, 680 ha). 287 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Stagno di Pauli Maiori, 287 ha). 300 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Stagno di S'Ena Arrubia, 300 ha). 330 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Stagno di Sale Porcus, 330 ha). 2,610 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Stagno di Corru S'Ittiri, Stagni di San Giovanni e, 2,610 ha). 3,575 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Stagno di C bras, 3,575 ha). 680 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Stagno di Mistras, 680 ha). 287 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Stagno di Pauli Maiori, 287 ha). 300 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Stagno di S'Ena Arrubia, 300 ha). 324 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Stagno di Sale Porcus, 324 ha).
