The Coterillo pond, located next to the “Centro de Recursos Marinos del Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Alimentario” was previously disconnected from the saline circuit. This caused an excess of nutrients in the pond, accumulating organic material, causing anoxia and loss of biodiversity.
In order to resolve this issue, the LIFE Salinas Project has constructed a green infrastructure, connecting the pond to the saline circuit. This construction also included the reinforcement of motes, fixing the input and output flow of water and the restoration of three islands. These actions have vastly improved the conditions of the habitat, an important location for the reproduction of aquatic birds.
Thanks to these changes the water will now flow naturally, facilitating the colonization of the “fartet” (endemic species of fish) and aquatic invertebrates, therefore directly increasing the resources available to aquatic birds who may use the pond as a source of food. In addition, the habitat is also improved, favouring the reproduction of the Audouins Gull and other aquatic bird species.
