MAL070 - Marsaskala

Description

Marsaskala is a series of salt pans along the coast in southern Malta, within the locality of Marsaskala. The site is easily accessible from numerous different pathways from a nearby surfaced road. The salt pans cover an approximate area of 4,850m2. It is unclear whether the salt pans are still actively being used for salt harvesting, however, the presence of green algae is an indication that they are probably not still in use. No vegetation was present growing within and around the site.

Wetland data

Basic information
Wetland location: Marine/Coastal
Wetland type: Artificial
Wetland area: 0.50 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: 14.572140 East
Latitude: 35.858930 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 Low
710 = Noise nuisance Medium
920 = Drying out High
Activities on catchment area
Activity Intensity
401 = continuous urbanisation High
502 = roads motorways Medium
Impacts
Impact Intensity
EB- = Increase in aesthetic qualities High
EE- = Increase of economic potential High
EF- = Increase in protection from natural forces Low
EO- = Increase potential for natural products Medium
EU- = Increase of tourist/recreation potential High

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