Albufera de València

Though once a saltwater lagoon, dilution due to irrigation and canals draining into the estuary and the sand bars increasing in size had converted it to freshwater by the seventeenth century.

The Valencian Albufera Nature Park and lagoon lies just 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) south of Valencia, in the municipal areas of 13 towns and four pedanies (former towns) adjoined to the capital city, these in turn lying within four comarques or counties, namely, in Horta Sud: Albal, Alfafar, Beniparrell, Catarroja, Massanassa, Sedaví and Silla; in Ribera Baixa: Albalat de la Ribera, Cullera, Sollana, Sueca and El Mareny de Barraquetes; in Ribera Alta: Algemesí; and in the County of Valencia and greater metropolitan area of València, in the pedanies of Pinedo, El Palmar, El Saler and El Perellonet.

Its proximity to the capital city of the Valencian Land and easy access facilitate nature experiences and birdwatching.

At present, catches of bass and eels have dropped considerably, while those of mullet and American blue crab (a species introduced in the 1980s) have increased.

This water carried canes, mud, the upper layer of crop fields and garbage, including industrial material, plastic, fuel, and sewage.