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El Salado Estuary
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| September 9, 2002. |
An estuary, or pre-estuary, is a
marginal body of water, semi-enclosed, where the level
of salinity is sensibly diluted by intermittent discharges
of sweet water. The tides tend to dominate the pattern
of sedimentation. Estuarial sediments generally consist
of highly select fine sand and mud. The sand may be
introduced mostly from the sea or ocean, while the mud
comes from the discharge of effluents during the rainy
season. In the Bay of Banderas, El Salado, El Quelele
lagoon and the Negra-Boca of Tomates mouth make up the
most important estuaries - also known as wetlands -
of the Ameca river delta.
It is important to stress that for
over 30 years, the estuary has paid a considerable tribute
to the well-being of Puerto Vallarta. We just have to
remember that its old "mouth" led to the creation
of the present-day inlet to the port, a site that shelters
the great cruise ships and tourist crafts, whose important
contribution to the port's economy is often spoken about.
Furthermore, during the 80's, about 50% of the original
mangrove area was destroyed to build what is now Marina
Vallarta. However, it wasn't only the tourist services
sector that benefited, Vallarta did as well. There are
families of fishermen who owe their catches to the presence
of the estuary and other similar coastal bodies of water
that constantly replenish the nearby ocean with their
food-rich waters, nutrients that promote the growth
of a great variety of fish, crustaceans and shellfish.
Moreover, they are sites of development for young specimens
of economic importance such as shrimp. Also, the estuary
is identified as one of the city's 17 river basins that
drain into the sea, carrying significant quantities
of sediment that will later form the sandy beaches along
the coastal area.
Today, the El Salado estuary has
a main canal that averages 2 Km. long by 20 Km. wide
with an approximate depth of 6 feet. It is made up of
about 140 hectares of mangrove vegetation dominated
by the Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove), the Avicennia
germinans (black mangrove) and the Laguncularia racemosa
(white mangrove). It also includes important patches
of salt-marsh (35.2 hectares) and semi-deciduous tropical
forest (1 hectare), as well as less important quantities
of spiny bushes and marine vegetation. With regard to
the birds, the studies made in the region have identified
over a hundred species that feed and reproduce there.
The feeding occurs mainly in the salt-marshes while
the reproduction process takes place mainly in the mangroves,
during the rainy season.
We should also point out the presence
of other animal species in the area that are somewhat
vulnerable or exploited, such as the green iguana (Iguana
iguana), the black iguana (Crenosaura pectinata), the
river crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), the raccoon (Procyon
lotor), the opossum (Didelphis virginiana), the fiddler
crab (Uca crenulata) and the mouthless crab (Cardisoma
crassum).
There is no doubt that coastal bodies
such as the estuary are entirely linked to the economic
success of the communities located near it, as well
as the evolutionary and biological success of the plants
and animals that develop within it. That is why the
policies of urban growth and mercantilism should not
ignore the environmental aspect, because if they do,
they would be endangering the actual well-being and
future of man: This type of coastal bodies act as stabilizers
of the coastlines and protection against hurricanes
- a very valuable role for commercial and sport fishing
-, sources of products with commercial value (firewood,
medicines and honey, among others), support for aquaculture,
important havens for wild plants and animals, besides
their aesthetic, cultural and tourist value.
If respect for nature is disregarded
during the decision making process, then our own extinction
in a near future is ensured.
Considering the foregoing, I hope
that the actual designation of the estuary as "Environmental
Administration Unit No. 36" with a policy of conservation
and a predominant use of flora and fauna of high environmental
fragility (protected natural area), as well as the application
of its corresponding management plan, will finally achieve
its restoration, conservation and understanding for
the enjoyment of all those who appreciate the natural
environment.
cupul@pvmirror.com
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