m from the sea with an area of about 500 m² and a width of about 1 km between Aitolikon and Mesolonghi. Farmlands lie to the east with hills and rocky landscape. Fishing is common in the lagoon. The lagoons are the richest waters in Greece as far as fish are concerned. Here, boats are used. In different places, wooden huts on stilts can be seen. Land development and waste management endanger the entire delta area. A large tract of land is under nature protection and hunting is banned. In this area, 170 species of birds are founded. It is also home to some parasites including isopods and sand smelts including Atherina boyeri. History Around 900 A.D, the Byzantine fleet from Naupaktos (Lepanto) at the Gulf of Corinth became and capital and became Nikopolis. The new capital became secured by the fortress. One of these fortresses were favourable for defense on the island and the lagoons in Aitoliko. Since the 12th century, the island fortress of Anatoliko developed to the city. In 1406, it was sold to Carlo I Tocco of Kefallinia. The Venetian forces divided their incomes from the salt gardens and fishing waters of Anatoliko which lasted until 1430. During the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, in the beginning of the 19th century, Aitolikon experienced three Turkish sieges before it became a part of Greece. There were 500 Greek defenders and 15,000 Turks in the first siege, The second siege was repelled, in the third siege, Aitolikon was re-taken by the Turks at the same time as Mesolonghi on April 11, 1826. Generals from Greece that participated included Georgios Liakatas. Notable people Vaso Katraki, Engraver - Painter, 1914–1988, website: http://www.aitoloakarnania.gr/index.htm I.M. Panagiotopoulos (born Ioannis Mihail Panagiotopoulos), 1901–1982, website: https://web.archive.org/web/20050313131254/http://www.aitoloakarnania.gr/litterateurs/panagiotopoulos.htm (in Greek) Giannis Vogiatzis (b.1926), actor References External links Aitoliko - National Geographic Ellas (in Greek) The Aitoliko and Messolonghi lagoons Internet Aitoliko's forum and discussion board See also List of settlements in Aetolia-Acarnania Missolonghi Populated places in Aetolia-Acarnania