en El Delta de L'Ebre Natural Park

appearance unique.The expansive rice fields, changing remaining examples of salt pans in Catalonia. Hunting according to the season (muddy in winter, flooded and sport fishing have always been one of the with water in the spring, green in summer) dominate attractions of the Delta, but in addition to this, there the Delta's physiognomy. Along the coastal area lie are also a significant number of tourists who visit the some of the most appealing landscapes of the Delta today as much for the scientific interest they Mediterranean: large lagoons surrounded by reed have in the area's flora and fauna as for its scenic swamps and rushes. On the edge of the area there are beauty. wide expanses of saline soils and salt marshes, and For many years the coast around the Delta area was long, deserted beaches surrounded by dunes crowned feared by sailors. For this reason, the area was marked with beachgrass and other plants that are well and lit up in 1864 with 3 iron lighthouses, situated at adapted to the environment. La Punta del Fangar point, on the island of L'illa de Buda and at La Punta de la Banya point. The El Delta de L'Ebre (the Ebro delta) offers us an lighthouse on L'illa de Buda was swallowed by the sea THE DELTA AND HUMANS TODAY incomparable, unique and singular natural area, with in 1960 and the lighthouse at El Fangar was replaced a landscape of great biological richness and a wide several times until the current picturesque concrete variety of fauna. With an area of 320 km2, it is the Agriculture, and predominantly rice growing (over lighthouse was constructed. Of the original iron most extensive aquatic habitat in Catalonia, and as 20,000 ha and therefore almost all of the production lighthouses, the only one remaining is the lighthouse such, represents a vitally important enclave within the of this cereal in Catalonia), is one of the major at La Banya, which can be visited from the port of wetland areas of the Mediterranean. economic bases in the Delta. Market gardens and fruit Tarragona. The biological richness of the Delta provides a sharp trees occupy a small part of the area. Agricultural contrast to the more intensive human exploitation and cooperatives play an important role here, in particular agricultural transformation of a large part of the area. the rice-growing cooperatives. In order to encourage harmony between the natural Fishing is also a fundamental activity in the area, with Cover: Aerial view of the flamingo colony at La Punta de la Banya value of the area and its use by humans, the the nutrients brought by the river Ebro influencing the Photo: Francesc Vidal Government of Catalonia declared El Delta de L'Ebre ports of Sant Carles de la Ràpita, L'Ampolla, Deltebre, Natural Park in 1983, at the request of those living in Les Cases d'Alcanar, L'Ametlla de Mar and Vinaròs. Opposite page: Fisherman with trammel, fishing in the lagoons at La the area. Its importance is recognised on an Fishing in the pools is an ancient activity that uses Tancada international level by the leading specialised traditional equipment and skills. Photo: Mariano Cebolla organisations. There is little developed industry, and what there is The landscape of the Delta has a strong personality of almost always has an agricultural basis. The La Trinitat This page: Aerial view of the mouth of the Ebro Photo: Archive of PNDE its own, with its entirely flat terrain making its salt pans, at La Punta de la Banya, are the only 1 5 7 10

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sand dunes that are more or less fixed by their freshwater springs, the elegant white water lily Fish: living between fresh and salt water The intensive farming of various bivalve molluscs, such THE DELTA ENVIRONMENTS vegetation. The most common species to be found (Nymphaea alba) and other mid-European plants can The meeting of the two aquatic environments in the as mussels, oysters and clams, along with fish such as 1 Sand dunes at La Punta del Fangar Photo: Teresa Martí here are marram grass (Ammophila arenaria be found. Delta, the marine and the continental environments, eels, sea bass or gilthead sea bream means that there

The lagoons of the Delta originated as a direct subsp. arundinacea), sand couch grass (Elymus results in a great diversity of fish species. Whether is now a consolidated fish farming industry both in the 2 Dune toadstools consequence of the evolutionary dynamic of the Delta. farctus subsp. farctus) and the splendid sea FAUNA accidentally, temporarily or permanently, some 50 bays and in the open sea. Photo: Ferran Aguilar The majority were formed by the gathering of large daffodil (Pancratium maritimum). species colonise the waters of the Delta. Of particular bodies of marine water, progressively surrounded by The reed swamps are situated mainly around the interest are the Spanish toothcarp (Valencia Mammals 3 Night of the full moon sand bars and strands. lagoons and freshwater springs, areas that are A paradise for birds hispanica), a species that is endemic to the Iberian The high human population of the Delta means that the Photo: David Villasís Human control of the irrigation network of the Delta frequently flooded with fresh or salt water. The birds of the Delta are internationally important Peninsula, the fartet (Lebias ibera) and the freshwater presence of larger mammals is sporadic. This is the case 4 Appearance of the rice paddies after harvest has reversed the natural annual water cycle in the Characteristic plants of these areas are the common both in number and in variety. This area has some of blenny (Salaria fluviatilis). These three species are of of wild boars (Sus scrofa) and badgers (Meles meles). Photo: Ferran Aguilar lagoons and has conditioned the amount of reed (Phragmites australis) and the very large reed the most important breeding colonies of sea birds in special relevance, as they are in danger of extinction. There are still some wild rabbits (Oryctolagus freshwater entering the area. As a result, the (Phragmites australis subsp. Chrysanthus). The great the Mediterranean. Of particular interest among these In the continental waters we can find typical species cuniculus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and, although 5 Working in the rice paddies underwater vegetation predominant in this area fen-sedge (Cladium mariscus) is dominant in peaty are the Adouin's gull (Larus audouinii), the sandwich such as the carp (Cyprinus carpio), the eel (Anguilla they are less common, there are still some hedgehogs Photo: Mariano Cebolla depends above all on the salinity of the water. and drier soils, while the bulrush (Typha sp. pl.) tern (Sterna sandvicencis) and the slender-billed gull anguilla) and the barbel (Barbus graellsii); there are (Erinaceus europaeus) and weasels (Mustela nivalis). The saline soil and salt marshes, dominated by dominates the less salty areas that are often flooded. (Larus genei). also other species that are in regression, such as the There are large numbers of Southern water voles 6 Weeding the rice Photo: Mariano Cebolla plants that are highly adapted to salinity, are Traditionally, these plants have been used in the The Delta is also used as a nesting area by other Twaite shad (Alosa fallax), the European sea (Arvicola sapidus), mice (Mus sp.) and shrews situated mainly along the coastal areas due to the making of woven seats, mats, baskets and so on. species of sandpiper, duck and wader. In the cold sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) and the sea lamprey (Crocidura sp.). The bat population in the Delta, 7 Adouin's gull (Larus audouinii) high salinity of the water table and the flooding The riparian forest, the only forest land in the area, is months, thousands of birds from Northern Europe (Petromyzon marinus), and species introduced by currently undergoing a process of recovery, consists of Photo: Daniel Oro caused by sea storms. In these areas there are also the potential plant life of the shores of the Ebro, where arrive at the Delta to spend the winter in its more humans such as the Wels catfish (Silurus glanis), the six different species. These mammals are good for the land is raised and the soil is less salty. The highest temperate climes, resulting in large flocks of ducks, zander (Stizostedion lucioperca) and the bleak humans, as they feed on mosquitoes. 8 Kingfisher (Alcedo Athis) ground is populated by poplar trees, mainly white coots and sandpipers in the lagoons and the flooded (Alburnus alburnus), which can cause major problems Photo: Ferran Aguilar poplar (Populus alba), although there is also white rice paddies. Other species of great interest that can in the structure of the fish populations. 9 Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) willow (Salix alba), alder (Alnus glutinosa), ash be seen in the Delta include the shelduck (Tadorna In the zones of marine influence, such as the basins, Photo: Miguel Moya (Fraxinus sp. pl.) and elm (Ulmus minor), along with a tadorna), the flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), the the bays and the river mouths, we can find species few interesting climbing vines, such as the glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), the pratincole such as the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), the 10 Fresh-Water blenny (Salaria fluviatilis) honeysuckle (Lonicera biflora). As we move further (Glareola pratincola), and the oystercatcher sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), the grey mullet Photo: Mariano Cebolla towards the sea, this woodland is replaced by (Haematopus ostralegus). (Mugil cephalus) and the sole (Solea vulgaris). The tamarisk woods. More than 350 bird species of the 600 that exist in majority of these species are of commercial 11 Squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides) Photo: Ferran Aguilar Sadly, there is very little of this vegetation left. Europe have been observed at the Delta. The local importance and have been fished throughout The rice paddies also house some spontaneous nomenclature of these birds includes some 250 history by different fishermen's guilds and local 12 Mediterranean Tree Frog (Hyla meridionales) vegetation, rich in tropical species. In the ullals, small names, making it one of the richest in Catalonia. fishing associations. Photo: Ferran Aguilar LÕAmpolla

Punta del Fangar Les Olles TRANSPORT AND ACCESS

By road

Vinallop Camarles Motorway AP-7: Exit 39 (L'Ampolla), Exit 40 (L'Aldea- el Lligallo Tortosa), Exit 41 (Amposta-St. Carles de la Ràpita). del Roig Campred— Platja de la Marquesa Major road N-340 Barcelona-Valencia:This road skirts around l'Aldea el Lligallo the Delta, passing the villages of L'Ampolla, Camarles, del Gˆnguil L'Aldea, Amposta and Sant Carles de la Ràpita, from where lÕEbre the interior of the Delta can be reached on minor roads.

By train El Canal Vell Jesœs i Maria Platja de Riumar Deltebre RENFE: Barcelona - Valencia line. Recommended station: El Garxal L'Aldea (bus link). Other nearby stations: L'Ampolla, Camarles, Masdenverge Ecomuseu Santa Bˆrbara Tortosa. la Cava Riumar Illa de Sant Antoni Illa de Sapinya Illa de Grˆcia Information RENFE: 902 240 202 AMPOSTA Els Calaixos By Bus Sant Jaume dÕEnveja

Illa de Buda HIFE offers regular services between the different villages of lÕEbre the Delta. Service from the main Catalan towns to the Delta. la Galera Information: 977 440 300 / 902 119 814 L'Alfacada Ullals de Baltasar Freginals Els Muntells Ferry La Platjola There is a ferry service for cars and people between Deltebre and Sant Jaume d'Enveja to cross the river. Godall Platja del Serrallo La Casa de Fusta La Tancada Natural Park Major road les Ventalles L'Encanyissada El Poblenou Natural Park Minor road del Delta Platja dels Eucaliptus Erms de Casablanca Nature reserve Information centre Car park Picnic Area

Sant Carles de la Rˆpita Viewpoint Trabucador Hide Ferry

les Salines de la Trinitat

1 0 5 km Punta de la Banya

les Cases d'Alcanar Alcanar 1 2 3 4 5

NATURAL SITES OF INTEREST La Punta del Fangar: a huge sandbank La Punta de la Banya: the jewel of the Park surface in autumn. These plants are at the bottom of The Ebro estuary: the last frontier rice paddies, beaches and riverbanks. Perhaps the most The desert appearance of this area makes it seem La Punta de la Banya is the most extensive natural area the food chain, and provide food and shelter for The river mouth is one of the most captivating areas of important are the lagoons in its interior, which are one of the most inhospitable in the country. The of the Delta. Thousands of water birds, mainly gulls, large numbers of invertebrate species, fish species, the Delta, where the fresh river water mixes with the connected to the sea and are known as calaixos, Les Olles: The Delta's smallest lagoon scenery consists of huge sand banks and dune terns, sandpipers and flamingos, turn La Banya into one bird species, etc. salt water of the sea. In this last stretch, the river sheltering large numbers of water birds that use these Les Olles, despite its 54 hectares in size, is the formations, which are of extremely high natural of the most important bird breeding grounds in the With an area of 1,192 hectares, L'Encanyissada is reaches its maximum width (350 m).This area includes wetlands as nesting areas, wintering grounds, a resting smallest basin of the Delta. The most representative value, being the best-preserved on the Catalan coast. Mediterranean. Access has been restricted since 1986, the Delta's largest lagoon. In spring and summer, the protected natural sites of Garxal (280 hectares), point on their migratory journeys and places for environments that we can find here are the coastal They are an important refuge for many reptiles, the year that it was declared a Partial Nature Reserve. the reed swamps house the largest breeding Sant Antoni island (170 hectares) and Buda island prenuptial and postnuptial gatherings. As for the plant lagoon environment, an interesting area of salt insects and small mammals. There are two types of From the public viewpoint, you can see the salt pans colonies of wading birds in the Delta (little egret, (1,231 hectares). Access to the latter two is restricted. life on the island, it is worth noting the presence of some marshes between the beach and the lagoon, a well dune, those that are fixed by vegetation and those along with marine birds, sandpipers and flamingos. martinet blanc, cattle egret, little bittern, purple of the best communities of salt marsh plants in the developed dune formation, and the bay of Fangar, that are mobile. As they are so fragile, they should El Trabucador is a sand bar of 6km in length that joins heron, squacco heron). We recommend that you El Garxal: the most recent lagoon Delta, with species of exceptional importance, such as important both for wintering sea birds and the not be walked on; please help us to preserve them. La Punta de la Banya with the Delta and outlines the drop into the spectacular hut housing the Park The formation of El Garxal is linked to the last great the rare flowering sea-blite and different species of sea seafood-related activities that take place here The viewpoint overlooks Fangar bay, where mollusc Alfacs bay. Information Point and visit the Casa de Fusta river flood of the Ebro, which occurred in 1937. The lavender. The island's conservation is also essential for (mussels are gathered in this bay). From the viewpoint, farming is very important. Be careful not to be fooled (Wooden House), the emblematic building that river was forced by the huge amount of water it was the reproduction of many species of fish, along with the El Roquer can be seen. This is a 4-metre high sea cliff, by the mirages, these are an optical illusion that Migjorn: currently houses a permanent exhibition on the carrying to find another route to the sea, and over the maintenance of the population of endemic species such which shows the old coastline from when the Delta make us believe that there is water in the middle of a river that doesn't always reach the sea Delta lagoons. In front of the building is the start of years, the current lagoon was formed. as the fartet. still did not exist. Around the lagoon there are a Fangar, making it look as though there are cars The Migjorn river used to have its mouth in the Ebro, the L'Encanyissada cycle path. The area has four El Garxal is surrounded by a number of dunes that are number of interpretative trails, to be enjoyed either on driving through the water! but now only reaches the sea then the water level is viewpoints over the basins. fixed by vegetation, especially by tamarisks. On the left foot or by bicycle. very high.The Migjorn goes around L'illa de Buda to the side of the river, the area of El Garxal can be visited 1 A boat on the river Ebro La llacuna de La Tancada (La Tancada lagoon): South and creates a natural barrier between the rice Ullals de Baltasar, where the water rises from and visitors can travel on to Riumar, following the Photo: Mariano Cebolla Llacuna del Canal Vell (Canal Vell lagoon): a good spot for flamingo-watching paddies and the island. this area is good for observing the earth interpretative trail. The viewpoints provide a lovely the origins of the Park The La Tancada Lagoon has the highest salinity the birds of prey, ducks, sandpipers and waders that The Ullals of the name are the points where view of the lagoon. 2 Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) Photo: Mariano Cebolla Canal Vell is the largest basin in the northern levels of all the lagoons in the Delta. It has some move between Buda and the African subcontinent. underground springs reach the surface. The water is half of the Delta, covering 235 hectares. Its main very interesting environments, including the very well- There is a wonderful panoramic view from the from the rainfall on the mountains of El Montsià and Buda: the last island 3 Sea daffodil shoots (Pancratrium maritimum) environment is that of the coastal lagoon. Its preserved salt marshes around the lagoon on the side viewpoint here, which is the highest in the Delta. Els Ports. This environment shrank a great deal during As the Delta grew in size, numerous islands were formed. Photo: Ferran Aguilar partial drying out, in the late 1970s, led to the first of the sea and the bay. Flamingos can often be seen the 20th century with the planting of market garden Most of these were eventually surrounded by land and so popular action to be taken for the protection of the here, along with different species of duck, coot and L'Encanyissada: crops. The area is surrounded by dark earth that is rich are no longer islands. L'illa de Buda is the last one to 4 Salt marsh Delta wetland areas. Canal Vell has a viewpoint from grebe in the waters. Do not hesitate to enjoy it by an enormous submerged meadow in organic material: peat, one of the oldest geological remain an island, and no others will form in the Photo: Mariano Cebolla which, outside of the breeding season, a resting using the bicycle lane that surrounds La Tancada, and Like other lagoons, under the water of formations in the Delta. The presence of lilies in the foreseeable future, as the Delta has stopped growing. place for wading birds (egrets) and birds of prey the different little bridges that you will find there, L'Encanyissada lies a huge meadow of macrophytes, waters should be noted. Public access is only The island has a basic role in the Delta, as it houses all 5 The Tower of Sant Joan Photo: Mariano Cebolla (harriers) can be seen. which provide perfect platforms for bird watching. plants that grow in summer and flower on the permitted to a recreational area with a few springs. the different Delta environments: lagoons, salt marshes, 1 2 4 5

RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS • In spring, summer and autumn it is a good idea to Area (Department of the Environment and Housing Planning Service. Last updated: Park Information and Offices Nearest tourist information offices 2004) use mosquito repellent. Park Office Deltebre Land: 8.445 ha (including 2,578 ha of nature reserves) Marine: 564 ha Av. Catalunya, 46 43580 Deltebre C. Martí Buera, 22 43580 Deltebre • The Delta is a natural area shared by an agricultural • Dogs must be kept on a lead in all areas of the Telephone: 977 482 181 Telephone: 977 489 679 population, large numbers of tourists and some park. http://www.deltebre.net extremely important environmental characteristics. Municipalities Ecomuseum - Park information centre • Do not drop litter. L’Ampolla Martí Buera, 22 43580 Deltebre Sant Carles de la Ràpita • Cooperate with its conservation and follow the Deltebre Telephone: 977 489 679 Pl. Carles III, 13 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita Amposta Telephone: 977 740 100 advice and indications that can be found • It is recommended that your first point of call be the Sant Carles de la Ràpita Casa de Fusta - Park Information Centre http://www.larapita.com throughout the Park. Park information centres, which are open all day on Sant Jaume d’Enveja Llacuna de l'Encanyissada weekdays and Saturdays, and in the morning on Poblenou del Delta 43870 Amposta L’Ampolla • Respect the flora, the fauna and the environment. Sundays. Regions Telephone: 977 261 022 Pl. Gonzàlez Isla, s/n 43895 L'Ampolla El Baix Ebre E-mail Telephone: 977 593 011 • Respect the signs, the trails and the areas where El Montsià [email protected] http://www.ampolla,com access is not permitted. Web Les Cases d’Alcanar Date of creation http://www.parcsdecatalunya.net C. Lepant 43569 Les Cases d'Alcanar • The collecting of animal and plant species, whether Decree 357/1983 declaring El Delta de L'Ebre a Natural Park. Telephone: 977 737 639 dead or alive, is strictly prohibited. Extended by Decree 332/1986. http://www.alcanar.org 1 Sunrise over the brush of La Tancada Tortosa • Camping is only allowed in the zones designated Photo: Mariano Cebolla International protection Pl. Bimil·lenari, s/n 43500 Tortosa for this purpose. · Natura 2000. Mediterranean Region. Telephone: 977 510 822 2 Cyclist at La Tancada · Special Protection Area (SPA), September 1987, according to http://www.tortosa.altanet.org • The best times for bird watching are the in morning Photo: Mariano Cebolla Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds. th and at dusk. The largest numbers of bird species · Resolution of 15 March 1993 of inclusion in the Ramsar List of Amposta Wetlands of International Importance, especially as habitat for 3 Fishing with a net Plaça de la Pau, 1 43870 Amposta are visible during migratory periods, although water birds. Photo: Miquel Moya throughout the year interesting species can still be Telephone: 977 703 453 seen. http://www.turismeamposta.org 4 The Bay of Alfacs at sunrise Binoculars are indispensable for observing the Photo: Mariano Cebolla Sant Jaume d’Enveja fauna. The more mimetic your clothes, the less the Av. de l'Ebre, s/n 43877 Sant Jaume d'Enveja birds will be frightened. Back cover: Fangar bay Telephone: 977 478 056 Photo: Manuel Segura This natural area has received co-financing from the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) http://www.santjaume.com © GOVERNMENT OF CATALONIA DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING, DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR NATURE PARKS SERVICE Dr. Roux, 80 08017 Barcelona Tel. 935 674 200 Legal Deposit: B-50.383-05 Design and layout: LMDG / Lluís Mestres / Lucia Joglar. Printing: IMGESA www.parcsdecatalunya.net