Satellite View of Gulf of Morbihan - France

Satellite View of Gulf of Morbihan - France

Handout Satellite View, dated October 17, 2025, shows the Gulf of Morbihan in France. The Gulf of Morbihan, part of the Natura 2000 network, forms one of France’s most distinctive coastal landscapes. This inland sea is dotted with dozens of small islands and peninsulas, creating a labyrinth of sheltered bays, narrow channels, and shifting tidal flats. Its highly indented shape supports a mosaic of coastal habitats, from eelgrass meadows to mudflats, which provide vital feeding and breeding grounds for migratory birds and numerous marine species. Located in Brittany, near towns such as Vannes, Arradon, and Arzon, the gulf’s intricate contours are clearly visible in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image acquired on 17 October 2025. The deep blues highlight the flooded channels at high tide, while surrounding vegetation appears in bright green. Photo by European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery via ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Gironde

Illustration - Gironde

FRANCE, GIRONDE (33), ARCACHON BASIN, AERIAL VIEW OF BIRDS ISLAND (ILE AUX OISEAUX), COMPOSED OF SLIKKE (MUDFLATS FLOODED TWICE A DAY), SCHORRE (SALTY MEADOWS) AND ESTEYS (SMALL WATERCOURSES) Photo by Thierry Grun/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Elks In Dafeng District of Yancheng City - China

Elks In Dafeng District of Yancheng City - China

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 shows elks on the Yellow Sea mudflats in Dafeng District of Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province. The population of elks here has maintained a stable growth over years as the ecological environment in Dafeng District continues to improve. Photo by Ji Chunpeng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Elks In Dafeng District of Yancheng City - China

Elks In Dafeng District of Yancheng City - China

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 shows elks on the Yellow Sea mudflats in Dafeng District of Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province. The population of elks here has maintained a stable growth over years as the ecological environment in Dafeng District continues to improve. Photo by Ji Chunpeng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Elks In Dafeng District of Yancheng City - China

Elks In Dafeng District of Yancheng City - China

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 shows elks on the Yellow Sea mudflats in Dafeng District of Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province. The population of elks here has maintained a stable growth over years as the ecological environment in Dafeng District continues to improve. Photo by Ji Chunpeng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Elks In Dafeng District of Yancheng City - China

Elks In Dafeng District of Yancheng City - China

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 shows elks and oriental white storks on the Yellow Sea mudflats in Dafeng District of Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province. The population of elks here has maintained a stable growth over years as the ecological environment in Dafeng District continues to improve. Photo by Ji Chunpeng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

An aerial drone photo taken on August 28, 2024 shows a view of the mudflats of the Yellow River Delta in Dongying, east China's Shandong Province. Photo by Xinhua/Xu Suhui/ABACAPRESS.COM

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

An aerial drone photo taken on August 28, 2024 shows a view of the mudflats of the Yellow River Delta in Dongying, east China's Shandong Province. Photo by Xinhua/Xu Suhui/ABACAPRESS.COM

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

An aerial drone photo taken on August 28, 2024 shows a view of the mudflats of the Yellow River Delta in Dongying, east China's Shandong Province. Photo by Xinhua/Xu Suhui/ABACAPRESS.COM

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

An aerial drone photo taken on August 28, 2024 shows a view of the mudflats of the Yellow River Delta in Dongying, east China's Shandong Province. Photo by Xinhua/Xu Suhui/ABACAPRESS.COM

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

An aerial drone photo taken on August 28, 2024 shows a view of the mudflats of the Yellow River Delta in Dongying, east China's Shandong Province. Photo by Xinhua/Xu Suhui/ABACAPRESS.COM

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

Mudflats Of The Yellow River Delta - China

An aerial drone photo taken on August 28, 2024 shows a view of the mudflats of the Yellow River Delta in Dongying, east China's Shandong Province. Photo by Xinhua/Xu Suhui/ABACAPRESS.COM

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)?

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)?

(240603) -- YINCHUAN, June 3, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the mudflats of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Wang Peng)

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)?

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)?

(240603) -- YINCHUAN, June 3, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the mudflats of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Wang Peng)

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)?

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)?

(240603) -- YINCHUAN, June 3, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the mudflats of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Wang Peng)

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)

(240603) -- YINCHUAN, June 3, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the mudflats of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)

(240603) -- YINCHUAN, June 3, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the mudflats of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)

(VistaNingxia)CHINA-NINGXIA-YELLOW RIVER-SCENERY (CN)

(240603) -- YINCHUAN, June 3, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the mudflats of the Yellow River in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

(230521) -- HEPU, May 21, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Mo Jirui collects pollen in Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in Hepu County of Beihai City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 20, 2023. Mo Jirui, 68, started working as a conservator at Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in 1993. After retired in 2015, he was re-hired by the reserve because of his rich working experience. In the past 30 years, the old man protected the mangroves ceaselessly. He has also taken over ten thousand of photos here, which provided basic data for biodiversity conservation and research in the nature reserve. "I loved mangroves since I was a child. When I saw egrets flying in the air and crabs and fish busy on mudflats, my heart was inexplicably happy. I had no other thoughts for the rest of my life, I just wanted to guard these 'coast guards'." said Mo. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

(230521) -- HEPU, May 21, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Flie photo taken by Mo Jirui shows birds in Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in Hepu County of Beihai City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Mo Jirui, 68, started working as a conservator at Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in 1993. After retired in 2015, he was re-hired by the reserve because of his rich working experience. In the past 30 years, the old man protected the mangroves ceaselessly. He has also taken over ten thousand of photos here, which provided basic data for biodiversity conservation and research in the nature reserve. "I loved mangroves since I was a child. When I saw egrets flying in the air and crabs and fish busy on mudflats, my heart was inexplicably happy. I had no other thoughts for the rest of my life, I just wanted to guard these 'coast guards'." said Mo. (Xinhua)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

(230521) -- HEPU, May 21, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Mo Jirui cultivates mangrove seeds in Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in Hepu County of Beihai City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 20, 2023. Mo Jirui, 68, started working as a conservator at Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in 1993. After retired in 2015, he was re-hired by the reserve because of his rich working experience. In the past 30 years, the old man protected the mangroves ceaselessly. He has also taken over ten thousand of photos here, which provided basic data for biodiversity conservation and research in the nature reserve. "I loved mangroves since I was a child. When I saw egrets flying in the air and crabs and fish busy on mudflats, my heart was inexplicably happy. I had no other thoughts for the rest of my life, I just wanted to guard these 'coast guards'." said Mo. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

(230521) -- HEPU, May 21, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Mo Jirui introduces the making process of egret specimen in Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in Hepu County of Beihai City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 20, 2023. Mo Jirui, 68, started working as a conservator at Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in 1993. After retired in 2015, he was re-hired by the reserve because of his rich working experience. In the past 30 years, the old man protected the mangroves ceaselessly. He has also taken over ten thousand of photos here, which provided basic data for biodiversity conservation and research in the nature reserve. "I loved mangroves since I was a child. When I saw egrets flying in the air and crabs and fish busy on mudflats, my heart was inexplicably happy. I had no other thoughts for the rest of my life, I just wanted to guard these 'coast guards'." said Mo. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

(230521) -- HEPU, May 21, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Mo Jirui patrols in Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in Hepu County of Beihai City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 20, 2023. Mo Jirui, 68, started working as a conservator at Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in 1993. After retired in 2015, he was re-hired by the reserve because of his rich working experience. In the past 30 years, the old man protected the mangroves ceaselessly. He has also taken over ten thousand of photos here, which provided basic data for biodiversity conservation and research in the nature reserve. "I loved mangroves since I was a child. When I saw egrets flying in the air and crabs and fish busy on mudflats, my heart was inexplicably happy. I had no other thoughts for the rest of my life, I just wanted to guard these 'coast guards'." said Mo. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

(230521) -- HEPU, May 21, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Mo Jirui checks mangrove seedlings in Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in Hepu County of Beihai City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 20, 2023. Mo Jirui, 68, started working as a conservator at Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in 1993. After retired in 2015, he was re-hired by the reserve because of his rich working experience. In the past 30 years, the old man protected the mangroves ceaselessly. He has also taken over ten thousand of photos here, which provided basic data for biodiversity conservation and research in the nature reserve. "I loved mangroves since I was a child. When I saw egrets flying in the air and crabs and fish busy on mudflats, my heart was inexplicably happy. I had no other thoughts for the rest of my life, I just wanted to guard these 'coast guards'." said Mo. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

CHINA-GUANGXI-HEPU-SHANKOU MANGROVE NATURE RESERVE-CONSERVATOR (CN)

(230521) -- HEPU, May 21, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo shows a view in Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in Hepu County of Beihai City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 20, 2023. Mo Jirui, 68, started working as a conservator at Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in 1993. After retired in 2015, he was re-hired by the reserve because of his rich working experience. In the past 30 years, the old man protected the mangroves ceaselessly. He has also taken over ten thousand of photos here, which provided basic data for biodiversity conservation and research in the nature reserve. "I loved mangroves since I was a child. When I saw egrets flying in the air and crabs and fish busy on mudflats, my heart was inexplicably happy. I had no other thoughts for the rest of my life, I just wanted to guard these 'coast guards'." said Mo. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

SAGA, Japan - A woman with headwear showing Kumamon, the mascot character promoting Kumamoto Prefecture, dives into the mudflats of the Ariake Sea during the Kashima Gatalympic in Kashima, Saga Prefecture on May 25, 2014.

Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

SAGA, Japan - Children participate in the Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats on the Ariake Sea in Kashima, Saga Prefecture on May 25, 2014.

Nature conservation educator

Nature conservation educator

YATSUSHIRO, Japan - Shoko Tsuru, a nature conservation educator authorized by the Nature Conservation Society of Japan, takes photos to conduct an ecology survey on mudflats at the mouth of the Kuma River in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Oct. 19, 2013. She leads a dam-removal campaign for the river. (Photo by Tatsuya Hagiwara)

THE CRIMSON WING : MYSTERY OF THE FLAMINGOS aka THE CRIMSON

THE CRIMSON WING : MYSTERY OF THE FLAMINGOS aka THE CRIMSON

THE CRIMSON WING : MYSTERY OF THE FLAMINGOS aka THE CRIMSON WING : O MISTERIO DOS FLAMINGOS Flamingo chicks arriving on shore from the mudflats in the center of the lake.

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

A participant falls off a bicycle into mudflats in the Ariake Sea off the city of Kashima, Saga Prefecture, during the annual 31st Kashima Gatalympic event on May 31, 2015. About 1,500 people took part in the event, which was originally started by a local group with the aim of regional development. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

Participants on a board swim in mudflats in the Ariake Sea off the city of Kashima, Saga Prefecture, during the annual 31st Kashima Gatalympic event on May 31, 2015. About 1,500 people took part in the event, which was originally started by a local group with the aim of regional development. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

A participant falls off a bicycle into mudflats at a park in the city of Kashima facing the Ariake Sea, Saga Prefecture, during the annual Kashima Gatalympic event on June 11, 2017. About 1,200 people took part in the event, which was originally started by a local group with the aim of regional development. It takes its name from the Japanese word "higata" meaning tideland or wetland. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

Participants compete in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud such as bicycle and crawling races. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

Participants compete in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud such as bicycle and crawling races. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

Participants compete in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud such as bicycle and crawling races. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

Participants compete in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud such as bicycle and crawling races. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

Participants compete in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud such as bicycle and crawling races. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

A woman falls during a bicycle race in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo