A unique complex of swamp types on Morocco's Atlantic coastline, including estuary waters, shallow marine waters, salt steppes, freshwater marshes and major beds, in addition to rice fields and several abandoned salt flats.

It contains several endangered species that are vulnerable or close internationally, such as the Marbled Teal (Angustirostris Marmaronetta) and the ferruginous duck (Nyroca Aythya), as well as nationally, including the Squacco and Purple Herons, the Red Collared Pochard and the Short-eared Owl.

The site also has a large bed of water and Salix areas, rare for Morocco, and plays an important role in “groundwater” for recharge and flood control. The main activities around the site are: agriculture, livestock farming, salt production, and tourism. They are also the main causes of eutrophication, upstream water spills, and dredging in some regions for additional agricultural development.