Artisanal salt production in Aveiro/Portugal - an ecofriendly process

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Rodrigues, CM (Author) Other; Bio, A (Author) Other; Amat, F (Author) Other; Vieira, N (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Saline Systems

Vol. 7

Final page: 3

ISSN: 1746-1448

Publisher: BioMed Central

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge

Scopus - 42 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-0Y6

DOI: 10.1186/1746-1448-7-3

Abstract (EN): Solar salinas are man-made systems exploited for the extraction of salt, by solar and wind evaporation of seawater. Salt production achieved by traditional methods is associated with landscapes and environmental and patrimonial values generated throughout history. Since the mid-twentieth century, this activity has been facing a marked decline in Portugal, with most salinas either abandoned or subjected to destruction, making it necessary to find a strategy to reverse this trend.It is, however, possible to generate revenue from salinas at several levels, not merely in terms of good quality salt production, but also by obtaining other products that can be commercialized, or by exploring their potential for tourism, and as research facilities, among others. Furthermore, with an adequate management, biodiversity can be restored to abandoned salinas, which constitute important feeding and breeding grounds for resident and migratory aquatic birds, many of which are protected by European Community Directives.The aims of this manuscript are to present a brief overview on the current state of sea salt exploitation in Portugal and to stress the importance of recovering these salinas for the conservation of this particular environment, for the regional economy, the scientific community and the general public. The Aveiro salina complex is presented in detail, to exemplify salina structure and functioning, as well as current problems and potential solutions for artisanal salinas. © 2011 Rodrigues et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific