Know

When addressing the environmental crisis, a comprehensive view is needed that includes the Mar Menor lagoon, its watershed, and the aquifers associated with the basin. Understanding the area's historical evolution is also essential for restoring the natural landscape. This holistic approach guides the identification of areas requiring the most attention.

To make the right decisions and prevent future crises in the Mar Menor and its watershed, it is essential to obtain accurate information about its current state and the factors contributing to its degradation, as well as those that promote 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, 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 aim to characterize, describe, identify, and evaluate the situation in the Mar Menor watershed and lagoon. They also seek to improve our understanding of ecosystem functioning and existing resources (nutrients, water, marine communities, etc.) at the lagoon, watershed, and associated aquifer levels.

Digital twin of the MAPMM

Monitoring and tracking

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

LAGOON

WATERSHED

Data analysis and modeling

Using the data obtained, a comprehensive geographic database and a program are being created that will allow users to visualize all the information and its evolution through maps, as well as establish different trend scenarios prospectively (years 2025 and 2050). Simultaneously, work is underway 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 "Decision Support System" ( DSS ), will become an essential asset for detailed studies and decision-making.

hojas archivadas representadas esquemáticamente

Sustainability projects

These projects address activities that impact the Mar Menor lagoon, aiming to implement strategies to make them more sustainable and reduce their environmental impact. This approach promotes the conservation and protection of biodiversity by improving our understanding of the marine environment, fostering research and development, and enhancing governance.

Scientific conferences and congresses

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

Scientific Symposium: Science at the Service of the recovery of the socio-ecological system of the Mar Menor. (Cartagena, April 24 and 25, 2024).

Scientific Conference: Advances in the programs for the development of scientific knowledge and tools for the recovery of the Mar Menor (Cartagena, November 27, 2024).