[2] As the largest estuary in Western Europe, the Gironde is subject to very strong tidal currents and small islands appear and disappear at the whim of the river.

Oyster farms, harbours and fishing huts mark the landscapes and the maritime culture.

[5] Marshes, narrows, reed beds, estuaries, foreshores and the Atlantic Ocean form a mosaic of habitats particularly favourable to birds and amphihaline fish.

Leatherback turtles, basking sharks, gannets and storm petrels can also be found.

Depending on their life cycle, species such as eels move through the different estuarine, coastal and marine environments.