MAL051 - Zonqor Point

Description

Żonqor Point Pans are a series of salt pans along the coast in southern Malta, within Marsascala. The sites are easily accessible to the public through a surfaced road. The salt pans cover an approximate area of 8,120m2. The majority of the salt pans are still used for salt production by a local resident, however, the ones close to the sea were overtaken by green algae. The rest of the salt pans were bare from any vegetation. The site is predominantly surrounded by natural coastal habitat, however, it is also close to a diving centre.

Wetland data

Basic information
Wetland location: Marine/Coastal
Wetland type: Artificial
Wetland area: 0.80 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: South Eastern
Island: Malta
Local council: Marsaskala
Longitude: 14.574040 East
Latitude: 35.868090 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
690 = Other leisure and tourism impacts High
710 = Noise nuisance Medium
920 = Drying out High
Activities on catchment area
Activity Intensity
401 = continuous urbanisation Low
502 = roads motorways Medium
621 = nautical sports High
622 = walking horseriding and non-motorised vehicles Low
Impacts
Impact Intensity
EB- = Increase in aesthetic qualities High
EE- = Increase of economic potential High
EF- = Increase in protection from natural forces High
EO- = Increase potential for natural products Medium
EU- = Increase of tourist/recreation potential High

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