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| 7ES035 |
Marjal
de Pego-Oliva |
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| Coordinates: |
38º52'N
- 000º04'W |
Elevation:
0 m. |
Area:1,290
ha |
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| Location:
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The
site is located at the extreme south of the Gulf of Valencia, between
the town of Pego, province of Alicante, in the west, and the town of Oliva,
province of Valencia, in the east. Both are situated in the autonomous
region of Comunidad Valenciana, in southeastern Spain. In the south the
site is bordered by the Sierra de Segaria. |
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| Criteria:
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(1a),
2a, (2b, 2c), 3b
This coastal marsh system is notable as a breeding site for the globally
threatened bird species Marmaronetta angustirostris, and botanically for
its population of Valencia hispanica. The marsh supports an important
range of nesting waterbirds, including Ixobrychus minutus, Ardea purpurea,
Himantopus himantopus and Chlidonias hybridus. It is an important wintering
area for Bubuculus ibis.
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| Wetland
Types:
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Tp,
E, M, Sp, Ss, Ts, 4, 9 (dominant type listed first)
Marjal de Pego-Oliva is an extensive marsh in a coastal basin. The marsh
is situated in the central area of the catchment, which slopes gently
towards the sea. In the surrounding limestone area there are numerous
freshwater springs. A sand bar and vegetated dunes separate the marsh
from the shoreline. Two main rivers flow through the marsh. The site also
includes an artificial network of channels and cultivated areas. |
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Biological/
Ecological notes
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The
characteristic aquatic vegetation includes floating plants like Lemna
spp., submerged species (e.g. Potamogeton spp.), and emergent vegetation
(e.g. Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia). |
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Hydrological/
Physical notes
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The
basin of Marjal de Pego-Oliva is bounded by highly fractured limestone-dolomite,
giving rise to a karst landscape with freshwater springs. Its hydrological
functioning is associated with regional subterranean waterflow systems
whose supplies depend on annual precipitation. The water table is subject
to seasonal variations, but is normally very near the surface. The Río
Racons-Molinell has a constant flow because of its connection with the
underlying aquifers. It runs through the southern part of the marsh to
the sea. The Río Vedat-Bullens crosses the marsh in the northern part
and also reaches the sea, although most of its water drains directly into
the marsh. The water coming from the springs is usually fresh, but there
are considerable variations in salinity according to the influence of
the sea. The highest salinity is found in the immediate vicinity of the
sandbar, and at the mouth of the Río Racons. |
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| Human
uses
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The site is privately owned. Land uses include non-intensive horticulture
(citrus orchards), hunting (the hunting association in Pego owns more
than 700 rifles), sport fishing and livestock herding (about 100 cattle
and 1,000 sheep). The main economic activity in the basin is citrus cultivation,
followed by non-irrigated agriculture and livestock grazing. There is
a tourism development of 400 chalets in the Sierra de Segaria. |
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Conservation
Measures
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At
the time of the compilation of Ramsar site data by the Spanish authorities
(1994), the protection of the marsh as a Natural Park was waiting for
approval by the government of the autonomous region of Valencia. A Plan
for Regulation of Natural Resources of the marsh had almost been completed.
The main aim of the plan is to establish sustainable subterranean water
management. |
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Adverse
Factors |
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| References |
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