Albufera de València

The Albufera de València is a freshwater lagoon and estuary on the Gulf of Valencia coast in the Valencian Community of eastern Spain, about 11 kilometers south of the city of Valencia, spanning parts of thirteen towns across four counties. It covers 21,120 hectares and was a saltwater lagoon until the 17th century, when the growth of sandbars separating it from the sea combined with freshwater dilution from irrigation canals draining into it to convert it to fresh water. It has been a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since December 1989 and has been included in Spain's Special Protection Areas since 1991. Traditional fishing on the lagoon has legal recognition dating to 1250, and rice cultivation on its margins dates to the 18th century.