This dataset represents a subset of Special Protection Areas that have protected water species. Detail on the water dependencies of protected species was provided by National Parks and Wildlife Service. This snapshot was taken of this subset of national SPAs for the purpose of the WFD RBMP Cycle 3.

The EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) requires designation of SPAs for listed rare and vulnerable species, regularly occurring migratory species, such as ducks, geese and waders; and wetlands, especially those of international importance, which attract large numbers of migratory birds each year. (Internationally important means that 1% of the population of a species uses the site, or more than 20,000 birds regularly use the site.) This is a national dataset.