Sittang Estuary and Gulf of Martaban
Location:
16°30'-17°25'N, 96°30'-97°20'E; from the head of the Sittang Estuary near Nyaungkhashe to the region of Khindan on the east coast of the Gulf of Martaban and the region of Minywa-athin on the west coast, Pegu Division and Mon State.
Area:
c.150,000 ha.
Altitude:
Sea level.
Biogeographical Province:
4.4.1./4.10.4
Wetland type:
02, 05, 06, 07 & 08
Description of site:
The vast estuarine system of the Sittang River and adjacent Gulf of Martaban, with extensive intertidal mudflats stretching for some 80 km along both shores, and up to 10 km wide at low tide. The total area of mudflat may exceed 75,000 ha. Many small creeks enter along the west shore of the gulf, and there is a large area of degraded mangrove swamp east of Ohnbin. The estuaries of the Bilin River and several smaller rivers enter the gulf in the east. Large areas of the adjacent plains have been converted to rice paddies, and the plains are studded with numerous small water storage reservoirs (tanks).
Climatic conditions:
Monsoonal climate, with the monsoon season extending from May to October.
Principal vegetation:
No information.
Land tenure:
No information.
Conservation measures taken:
None.
Conservation measures proposed:
None.
Land use:
No information.
Disturbances and threats:
No information.
Economic and social values:
No information.
Fauna:
No information is available. However, it is likely that the extensive intertidal mudflats are of considerable importance for migratory shorebirds and many other waterfowl.
Special floral values:
No information.
Research and facilities:
It appears that no studies have been made of this vast estuarine system, which Contains one of the largest areas of intertidal mudflats in Southeast Asia.
References:
Chhibber (1927); FAO (1982d & l985a); IUCN (in prep); Salter (1983); Tun Yin (1954).
Criteria for Inclusion:
0.
Source:
Operational Navigation Charts.