The lagoon and surrounding reed beds are the largest wetland in Corsica, and are protected as a nature reserve. They are an important breeding and wintering site for waterbirds, and for some rare aquatic species. Commercial fishing is allowed, but is managed to prevent damage to the ecology.
The town of Biguglia is inland from the lagoon to the west. The Bevinco River enters from the west near the north end, and the lagoon has an outlet to the sea at the north end. The wetland covers 1, hectares 4, acres , including 1, hectares 3, acres of open water, and covers most of the Marana plain.
In the site was recognized as being of international importance as a habitat for water birds, particularly coot , pochard and tufted duck. The protected area contains shrub-dominated wetlands with creeks leading into open water.
Vegetation includes salt-tolerant species of underwater plants, reed beds and maquis shrubland. The critically endangered European eel Anguilla anguilla use the lagoon for spawning and nursery. Professional fishermen continue to exploit the lagoon, taking almost tonnes each year, but follow a management plan that prevents over-fishing.
The traps are in fixed positions, but are usually raised every day. Pelagic fish are also caught at night with static gill nets to metres to 1, ft long, particularly in winter, and include commercially valuable species such as wolffish and sea bream.
