This protected area is located in the estuary of the Río Gallegos and Chico rivers, on the west bank of the mouth of the Chico river. The purpose of its creation is to protect a representative sample of marshlands and muddy intertidal plains, since they are a feeding and resting area for thousands of migratory and resident birds.

Due to its strategic location, it represents an ideal place to promote environmental education to the population, as well as participation in matters concerning environmental protection. The estuary has extensive muddy intertidal flats and marshes on the southern margin, which are feeding and resting sites for migratory and resident birds.

Among the most important migratory species we can mention the Red Knot (Calidris canutus), Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) and White-rumped sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis). They are species of long distance migratory shorebirds that unite both hemispheres in their seasonal flights and spend the summer in the estuary. The Magellanic oystercatcher (Haematopus leucopodus) and the Magellanic Plover (Pluvianellus socialis) are endemic species of South Patagonia and spend the winter in the estuary (Padin 2007)