Know

When addressing the lagoon crisis, it is necessary to have a comprehensive view that includes the Mar Menor lagoon, its catchment basin, and the aquifers associated with it. It is also necessary to understand the historical evolution of the area in order to renaturalize the land. This comprehensive approach serves as a guide when identifying the areas that need greater attention.

To make appropriate decisions and prevent future crises in the Mar Menor and its catchment basin, it is essential to obtain accurate information on its current situation and the factors contributing to its degradation, as well as those promoting its recovery and the sustainability of its uses and activities. In this regard, the following types of studies are being conducted: descriptive studies, specific and process studies, monitoring and follow-up, data analysis and modeling, and sustainability projects.

90s

Agricultural and urban intensification

Increasing proliferation of the algae C. prolifera that retains the concentration of Nitrates (<0.062 mg/l)
High phosphorus levels in summer due to urban discharge.
Poor state of the aquifer

Years 95-2000

Reactivation of urban planning and growth of intensive livestock farming.

More than 8,000 tons/year of livestock waste and 500 ponds.

Years 2010-2012

Start of system imbalance.

Caulerpa prolifera occupies 80% of the seabed.
Sharp increase in jellyfish.
Increasing levels of nitrates and phosphates.

Algunas hiervas saliendo del fondo del mar que tiene arena

Year 2015

Decline in C. prolifera meadows

C. Prolifera grasslands begin to decline drastically.
A state of "severe eutrophic crisis" is entered.

Year 2016

Water temperature above 30°C · green soup

Increased nitrate concentrations (0.37 mg/L). Decreased jellyfish concentrations.
Increase in phytoplankton.
Seabed shading.
Greenish color of the waters.

esquema de persona con una flecha apuntando a una ventana

Descriptive, specific and process studies

These studies characterize, describe, identify, and assess the situation in the Mar Menor catchment area and lagoon. They are also intended to improve knowledge about the functioning of the ecosystem and existing resources (nutrients, water, marine communities, etc.) at the lagoon, basin, and associated aquifer levels.

Digital twin of the MAPMM

Monitoring and follow-up

A major effort is being made to implement observation and monitoring systems and infrastructure to ensure complete coverage of the lagoon and watershed environment in near real time, allowing us to understand and monitor the impact of the actions carried out.

LAGOON

Slope basin

Data analysis and modeling

With the data obtained, a comprehensive geographic database and a program are being created to visualize all the information and its evolution using maps, in addition to establishing different trend scenarios prospectively (years 2025, 2050). In parallel, work is being done to build a generic model, a mathematical and computational tool that simulates ecological processes in the Mar Menor area. This model allows us to test different ecosystem situations and anticipate potential crises, offering an early understanding of how our actions and changes in the environment affect the health of the Mar Menor and its basin. This resource, called the "Information and Decision Support System" ( DSS ), will become an essential asset for detailed studies and decision-making.

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Projects on sustainability

These projects address activities that impact the Mar Menor, with the goal of implementing strategies to make them more sustainable and with a lower environmental impact. In this way, the conservation and protection of biodiversity is promoted by improving knowledge of the marine environment, boosting R&D, and improving governance.

Scientific conferences and congresses

With the aim of serving as a forum for knowledge and fostering dialogue among all stakeholders involved in the recovery of the Mar Menor , events are organized to build bridges between the various sectors, groups, administrations, and the scientific community.