Hydrology and Ecology of the Guadalquivir Marshes
Doñana National Park is a large natural park in Andalusia. It covers over one hundred thousand hectares across Huelva, Seville, and Cádiz provinces. The park sits where the Guadalquivir River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Winter rains flood the low clay beds and create shallow lagoons for millions of birds.
Small shallow lakes called lucios get fresh water from streams like Arroyo de la Rocina. Tall sand dunes move inland each year and protect the lagoons from ocean winds. The surface lagoons connect directly to underground water in the Almonte-Marismas aquifer.
Intensive Berry Cultivation and Aquifer Pressures
The farms around Doñana grow over ninety percent of Spain's strawberries and blueberries. Workers pick fruit inside eleven thousand hectares of plastic greenhouses. These berry crops need lots of water, which farmers pump from the underground aquifer.
Water managers say several parts of the underground aquifer are in poor condition. Scientists report that fifty-nine percent of the permanent lagoons have dried out. Water police inspect the farms and close down illegal wells to protect the park.
Estuary Management and Downstream Water Demands
Near the mouth of the river, farmers grow rice across thirty-six thousand hectares of wet fields. During dry years, salty sea water flows up the river and threatens crop fields. Ships also travel up the river channel to reach the Port of Seville.
Large water gates help control the mix of fresh water and salt water in the farm canals. The river mouth provides a safe nursery for young fish and shrimp. Upstream on the Guadiamar River, teams test water and soil to clean up old mining pollution.
Ecological Restoration, Legal Mandates, and Transition Plans
A European court ruled that Spain must protect the underground water of Doñana. The government approved over 350 million euros to restore the natural wetlands. Workers reconnect old river channels to bring fresh water back to the marshes.
The government pays farmers money if they stop pumping water or plant trees instead of berries. Automatic test stations measure water levels in the ground every day. Satellites and sensors watch the fields to make sure farms follow water rules.
