Mar Menor coastal lagoon (1827)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Mar Menor
Central coordinates: Latitude: 37.7500, Longitude: -0.7500
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 5
Area of KBA (km2): 154.10497
Protected area coverage (%): 99.61
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large saline coastal lagoon connected to the sea by three channels. There are several areas of saltpans surrounded by reedbeds (Phragmites) and saltmarshes.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: This is an important site for breeding and wintering ducks, waders and seabirds. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Marmaronetta angustirostris (wintering).
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (90%) | military (10%) | tourism/recreation (95%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 50 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The most important threats are urbanization, particularly along the main sandbar, in-filling, dredging and canalization, road building and disturbance caused by tourists. A management plan is being prepared and a LIFE project has examined conservation of the area.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Herbicides and pesticides | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Problematic species/diseases of unknown origin | Unspecified species | Ongoing |
| Climate change & severe weather | Habitat shifting & alteration | Only in the future | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing |