Ebre Delta birds decline as wetlands face rising threats, study finds

A study conducted by SEO Birdlife has found a "significant decrease" in the winter presence of migratory birds in the Ebre Delta. 

According to the report's authors, the decline can be attributed to "multiple pressure factors," such as changes in the Ebre River, particularly "reduced water flow and sediment supply," "intensive agriculture" exerting pressure on rice fields, including the excessive use of agrochemicals, and the "impacts of climate change." 

The study also found that there are 400 unprotected wetlands in Catalonia, areas that are crucial for bird conservation. 

For the Ebre Delta, researchers said that the combination of environmental threats underscores the need to strengthen management and conservation efforts in the area, with a comprehensive approach that protects both habitats and the species that depend on them. 

Wetlands across Spain

The report also examined wetlands across Spain and assessed their condition as "poor." It states that all the sites studied are under either high or very high pressure, impacting both the extent and quality of the habitats required for waterfowl populations.  

A 2022 report had already raised concerns about the "alarming" conservation status of Spain's most important wetlands, and the authors of the current analysis lament that the new findings present a "discouraging picture" of the work done to preserve these wetlands in Spain.