Selection of ecological indicators for the conservation, management and monitoring of Mediterranean coastal salinas

Abstract

Salinas systems are artificial wetlands which are interesting from the viewpoint of nature conservation. They play an important role both as habitats for migratory waterbird species and as nodes of biotic connectivity networks. In the Mediterranean basin, where the coastal salinas are highly significant as alternative and complementary habitats for waterbirds, a process of abandonment occurs, and many seminatural systems of this kind are disappearing. This abandonment is having serious consequences for migratory bird populations and for the ecological role these play. In the present paper, this group of waterbird species has been used to evaluate these wetlands for conservation purposes. We have developed a methodological approach for the selection of ecological indicators for the conservation and management of these Mediterranean habitats and waterbird assemblages, the main consumers therein. The stepwise procedure developed constitutes a practical tool for this task. Application thereof enabled us to differentiate the habitats available for the waterbirds and to identify the biotic and abiotic indicators for the maintenance and management of the salina ecosystems. These variables can then be incorporated into monitoring programs.

Evaluation of contribution of salinity, irradiance, and nutrient deficiency into the yield of cells and b-carotene accumulation in the culture of Dunaliella salina (Chlorophyta)

“…During the last 50 years because of emerging alternative salt manufacturing technologies, profit loss and termination of salterns operations, 57% of 70 000 ha of hyperhaline lakes were lost in Mediterranean [LÓPEZ et al, 2010]. Without sea water supply salterns lose their gradients, suffer uncontrolled salinity increase and dry out, and later, because of unattended levees destruction -undergo desalinization.…”

“…In Mediterranean and Black Sea basins many solar salterns have persisted, partially or fully abandoned, that could be restored for cultivating D. salina [LÓPEZ et al, 2010;RODRIGUES et al, 2011;KOMARISTAYA et al, 2014]. The further to the North and the shorter warm and sunny season, the more culture feasibility dependent on optimization and control of culture conditions [BOROWITZKA, 1999].…”

“…(Chlorophyta) 45 natural lagoons separated into large ponds (100-250 ha), under wind mixing [SCHLIPALIUS, 1991;CURTAIN, 2000], and in Israel -intensively, in open artificial raceways (up to 3000 m 2 ), under forced mixing and CO2 supply in relatively controlled environment [BEN-AMOTZ, 2004;DEL CAMPO et al, 2007]. The larger the pond area, the lower the control [BEN-AMOTZ, AVRON, 1990;DEL CAMPO et al, 2007].In Mediterranean and Black Sea basins many solar salterns have persisted, partially or fully abandoned, that could be restored for cultivating D. salina [LÓPEZ et al, 2010;RODRIGUES et al, 2011;KOMARISTAYA et al, 2014]. The further to the North and the shorter warm and sunny season, the more culture feasibility dependent on optimization and control of culture conditions [BOROWITZKA, 1999].…”

“…We believe that sulfur deficiency is irrelevant in coastal lagoons and solar salterns because the brine contains high concentration of sulfate [HOLLAND, 1978]. Temperature is poorly studied as the factor inducing -carotene accumulation [MENDOZA et al, 1996]; it needs more research and, possibly, incorporation into the model.During the last 50 years because of emerging alternative salt manufacturing technologies, profit loss and termination of salterns operations, 57% of 70 000 ha of hyperhaline lakes were lost in Mediterranean [LÓPEZ et al, 2010]. Without sea water supply salterns lose their gradients, suffer uncontrolled salinity increase and dry out, and later, because of unattended levees destruction -undergo desalinization.…”

“…Without sea water supply salterns lose their gradients, suffer uncontrolled salinity increase and dry out, and later, because of unattended levees destruction -undergo desalinization. This process leads to loss of habitats for many hyperhalobe species (archaea, prokaryotes, algae, invertebrates), and of places of rest, feeding and breeding for migrating water birds [LÓPEZ et al, 2010].Solar salterns is a unique kind of ecosystem that is regulated by human [BELLISARIO et al., 2010]. Implementation of D. salina cultivation technology would not only increase proportion of natural carotenoids in human diet; it could be one of support means for economic attractiveness of salterns and their conservation.…”