7ES004 Lagunas de Cádiz (Laguna de Medina y Laguna Salada)
Coordinates: 36º37'N 06º03'W Elevation: 0 m. Area:158 ha
Location:
These two lagoons are close to the city of Jeréz de la Frontera (Medina is about 10 km southeast of the city; Salada about 10 km to the southwest), Cádiz province, in the autonomous region of Andalucˇa (Andalusia), southwesternmost Spain. Laguna Salada lies about 40 km southeast of the Doñana Ramsar site.
Criteria:
1a, 2a, 2c, 3b, 3c
The lagoons are important for nesting birds, including the endangered species Oxyura leucocephala, Fulica cristata and Porphyrio porphyrio. Wintering waterbirds include Anser anser, Anas strepera, A. acuta, A. clypeata, Netta rufina, Aythya ferina (1,400), Oxyura leucocephala (101) and Fulica atra (2,000). Flocks of Phoenicopterus ruber and Marmaronetta angustirostris occur regularly as non-breeding visitors.
Wetland Types:
R, Ss
The site consists of two shallow, saline lagoons, with fluctuating water levels and salinity, fringed by beds of emergent aquatic vegetation.
Biological/
Ecological notes
Laguna de Medina is surrounded by a dense belt of emergent aquatic vegetation, including Scirpus maritimus, Typha dominguensis and Phragmites australis, together with Frankenia laevis and Tamarix canariensis and Salicornia spp. in the less frequently inundated areas. The submergent flora includes Potamogeton pectinatus and Zannchinellia palustris. The Laguna Salada is fringed by beds of Arundo sp., Phragmites australis, Scirpus maritimus, Typha dominguensis and Juncus maritimus, together with Tamarix sp. and Atriplex sp.
Hydrological/
Physical notes
 The lagoons (fed primarily by rainfall), lie in closed drainage basins set in a semi-arid, cultivated landscape. Laguna de Medina has an average depth of 1.5 m.
Human uses
Both lagoons are surrounded by agricultural land and are used as supply sources for irrigation. In recent years, fish have been introduced with a view to commercial exploitation. Harvesting of Typha is a traditional activity.

Conservation
Measures

Both lagoons are a Natural Reserve. Laguna de Medina is also an EU Special Protection Area for wild birds. The Laguna de Medina Natural Reserve is surrounded by a buffer/protection zone covering 254 ha. According to local development plans, the Natural Reserves are classified as Specially Protected Areas not for Urbanization. In 1991 a management plan was under development.
Adverse
Factors
References {a16}