However, virgin marsh and dunes remained and was given Natural Park status in the 1980s after a campaign to save the area from development.

The GR 92 long distance footpath, which roughly follows the length of the Mediterranean coast of Spain, passes through the park and has a staging point at the El Cortalet pond.

Among the fish species, the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and the Spanish carp (Aphanius iberus) are endemic to the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà.

In the migratory seasons, the Caspian tern, Eurasian dotterel and Western yellow wagtail and sandpiper can be found.

This ornithological species richness is particularly effective in the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, because numerous migratory birds prefer to use the food-rich and protected wetland between the two estuaries as a resting area.