Coast between Arinaga and Castillo del Romeral (2007)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Costa de Arinaga - Castillo del Romeral
Central coordinates: Latitude: 27.8000, Longitude: -15.4167
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 20
Area of KBA (km2): 7.49288
Protected area coverage (%): 15.26
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A stretch of coast comprising mudflats and sandflats, sand and shingle-beaches, rock stacks and brackish standing water. High levels of industrial activity occur adjacent to the northern tip of the site.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: The most important area on Gran Canaria for wintering and migrating birds, especially herons and waders.
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (26%) | tourism/recreation (26%) | urban/industrial/transport (26%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 17 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 33 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 17 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Tourist activity (for example, cars being driven on beaches and windsurfing), illegal hunting, fishing and industrial activity cause disturbance and destroy habitats. The building of a new commercial harbour in Arinaga will have a high impact on littoral dynamics. The section of the site that runs from Arinaga saltplant to Formas Bay is a game reserve.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Agro-industry farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Nomadic grazing | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Marine & freshwater aquaculture | Industrial aquaculture | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Small dams | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Industrial & military effluents | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Herbicides and pesticides | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Air-borne pollutants | Smog | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Excess energy | Noise pollution | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Excess energy | Light pollution | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Droughts | Ongoing |