It is a refuge for internationally important numbers of wintering ducks. Up to 327 bird species occur, including the globally endangered Phalacrocorax pygmeus and Pelecanus crispus . Two species of endangered marine turtles nest in the area. Human activities include fishing, tourism, and conservation education. The site includes dunes, beaches, shallow lakes, seasonal marshes, and wooded areas.
Dominant vegetation includes vast reedbeds and seasonally flooded forest.
Numerous species of waterbirds breed at the site, several of which are globally threatened. Over 92,000 waterbirds of various species winter at the site. Human activities include cattle grazing, reed cutting, fishing, and agriculture. The site includes a coastal plain delta and salt marshes. Numerous species of waterbirds stage, winter or breed in the area.