The Ebro Delta Bays, located in the western Mediterranean, are part of the Natura 2000 network—Europe’s flagship initiative for nature conservation. These bays are not only vital for marine biodiversity but also play a significant role in supporting local livelihoods. However, the area is under increasing pressure from various anthropogenic activities, particularly the seasonal discharges of freshwater and sediments linked to intensive rice farming.
To address these environmental challenges, the EFFECTIVE project has launched targeted restoration and monitoring efforts within Pilot 2, focusing on Els Alfacs Bay, one of the Ebro Delta’s key coastal lagoons. As part of this initiative, our partners at EURECAT have been carrying out bi-monthly water quality monitoring campaigns to gather critical data on the health of the marine ecosystem.
Since April 2024, when the rice growing season began, EURECAT has been tracking key physicochemical parameters, including:
- Water temperature, conductivity, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen
- Water level fluctuations, which are important for the functioning of the constructed wetland in the pilot area
This ongoing monitoring helps us understand how the ecosystem responds to environmental changes and informs strategies to improve water quality and protect marine habitats.
Stay tuned as EFFECTIVE continues working toward a healthier Mediterranean marine ecosystem through science, restoration, and community-driven action.
