The Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina extends by a narrow strip of coast southwest of Portugal, southwest coast between S. Torpes and Burgau, with a length of 110 km. The southwest coast, as sometimes this area is called, is an area of sea-land interface with very specific characteristics that give it a high landscape diversity, including some biotopes that support high biodiversity, both flora and fauna.

The waterways are essential to support high number of flora and fauna species, including some species of priority and endemic fish. Its riparian corridors (ie the banks of watercourses) are an important biotope for migrating passerines transarianos as well as for food and refuge for many species of mammals. But no less important are the estuaries with their areas of “nursery” for many species of fish, such as power privileged biotope, rest and nesting grounds for migratory birds.