GOZ001 - Northern Gozo Salt Pans

Description

Northern Gozo Salt Pans are a series of salt pans along the coast in northern Gozo within Iz-Zebbug’s administrative area. The site is accessible from Iz-Zebbug or from Xwejni Bay. The salt pans cover an area of approximately 88,240 m2. The site is still actively being used for salt production and tours are done by the owners of the site. The surrounding basin include a coast road, agricultural land and an old disused landfill which is located on elevated ground. There is no vegetation present within the site or its basin. There is no data present regarding wildlife, however, it is likely that marine fish and insects to be present.

Wetland data

Basic information
Wetland location: Marine/Coastal
Wetland type: Artificial
Wetland area: 8.80 Ha
Hydrological interaction: -  
Water salinity: Salty (> 18.0 g/l)
Type of fresh water input: Catchment area (precipitation)
Surface water runoff Other
Open water area (%): 76 - 95
Hydroperiod: Permanent
Geographic information
Census district: Gozo and Comino
Island: Gozo
Local council: Iz-Zebbug
Longitude: 14.237250 East
Latitude: 36.080820 North
Biological significance
Biological significance: Low
Ramsar wetland type
Type Coverage (%)
5 -- Salt exploitation sites; salt pans, salines, etc.
Property status
Public
Ecosystem services
Type of ecosystem service Ecosystem service Scale of Βenefit (%) Importance
Cultural services Cultural heritage
Supporting services Provision of habitat
Activities on wetland
Activity Intensity
020 = Resource conservation High
340 = Salt works High
Activities on catchment area
Activity Intensity
501 = paths tracks cycling tracks High
621 = nautical sports High
800 = Landfill land reclamation and drying out High
Impacts
Impact Intensity
EB- = Increase in aesthetic qualities High
EE- = Increase of economic potential High
EF- = Increase in protection from natural forces
EO- = Increase potential for natural products
EU- = Increase of tourist/recreation potential

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