Manoas

Manoas is a small group of islands located in the Río de la Plata estuary on the border between Uruguay and Argentina. The islands lie just a few kilometers north of the town of Salto, Uruguay, and are situated in a shallow area where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago consists of several low-lying islets, with a total area of only a few hectares. Because of their position in the dynamic riverine system, the islands have a high degree of tidal influence and are periodically connected to the mainland during low water levels.

Geographically, Manoas is characterized by soft sediments and a shallow lagoon that supports a diverse intertidal ecosystem. The vegetation is dominated by reeds and sedges, which provide habitat for a variety of aquatic birds, fish, and invertebrates. In the surrounding waters, species such as mullet, sardine and various crustaceans are common and the area is typically visited by fishing boats.

The islands have not been permanently settled, but they have historically been used for seasonal hunting and fishing by local indigenous groups and later by European colonists. In modern times, the Manoas are primarily used as a site for small-scale fisheries and for occasional navigation by river transport vessels. Environmental management of the area is coordinated by the governments of Uruguay and Argentina, with the emphasis on preserving its fragile wetlands and ensuring sustainable use of the fishery resources.

The Manoas also have importance as a reference point for river navigation, serving as a geographic marker for vessels entering or leaving the Río de la Plata. Due to their limited size and strategic location, the islands currently have no permanent infrastructure, but they remain a notable feature of the riverine landscape in the Uruguay–Argentina border region.