The lagoon preserves a central open water body with extensive reedbed islands and fringe and shallow fresh water. The input of waste water, coming from urban sewage and agricultural uses, causes water pollution and eutrophication. The surface of the lagoon water body has been reduced through impoundment and drainage, as well as illegal infilling with debris. Exploitation of commercial seasonal fishery exists (mullet, eel), with limitations depending on demand only. Introduction of exotic fishes (particularly Pumpkin-seed Sunfish) has caused major ecological alterations. The area is preserved from hunting but poaching and intense disturbance of waterfowl is commonplace all year round. It can be worth hiring a guided boat at El Palmar, Gola del Pujol, Silla or Catarroja harbours, but always ask for prices first. Recommended places: Gola del Pujol, Racó de l'Olla visitors Centre watchtower.

Lowland Marshes

Deep marshy terrain surrounding the lagoon water body, reclaimed for agricultural uses, through diking and draining. The area is used for rice cultivation in summer time and flooded in winter time, favouring waterfowl hunting and fishing (eel, introduced Louisiana Crayfish). Farmers make intense use of pesticides and fertilisers. The water at the canals is heavily polluted, with floating rubbish along. Hunting is carried out without bag limits and protected species are barely respected. Lead shots concentrate at high densities at certain places, where waterfowl feed. The area is affected by the spill of rubbish and debris, as well as the destruction of marginal wetland vegetation. Recommended places for a visit: Lower marshes of Silla, Sueca or Sollana.

Highland Marshes

Shallow marshes extend at higher places. The area is also used for rice cultivation in summer time. It shows shallows or no flooding during winter time. Water supply come mainly from both rivers Jucar (South) and Turia (North). Old settlement houses can be found widespread, although most of them are abandoned. Pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, as well as rubbish and debris, causes intense habitat deterioration. During the hunting season the area is almost depleted of any kind of bird life, as hunting regulation laws are barely respected. Recommended places for a visit: Muntanyeta dels Sants at Sueca, Cullera marshes.

Forested Dunes

The beach barrier was formerly colonised by a dense bushy vegetation and showed extensive dune fields and saltmarshes. Forested dunes are preserved only at Devesa de El Saler (a 10 km stretch out from 30 km long beach barrier). The area is protected nowadays, after suffering a development plan that was haltered in the eighties. Plant species diversity in La Devesa is astonishing, including some Mediterranean specialities. The area support intense recreation activities. Please remember that your car and your luggage will NEVER be safe if it is left alone here! Recommended places: El Saler.

Seashore

Seashore shows sandy beaches and a low lying coastline. Coastal erosion due to the alteration of sea currents, caused by the Valencia harbour, produces severe detriment to the beaches at the northern half of the beach barrier, from Pinedo to El Perellonet. Most of the coastline is affected by urban development and touristic facilities. Best beaches are preserved at El Saler and El Dosel de Cullera. The seawater is eutrophic, favoured by the intense input of sewage waters and floating rubbish is found regularly, including oil spills from Valencia harbour freighters. There is a low lying rocky cape in Cullera, where seawatching can be easily made. Please remember that your car and your luggage will NEVER be safe anytime/anyplace at the coastline. Recommended places: El Saler, Cullera.

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