Wetland Restoration in Ensenada de Pabellones

Hosting more than 250,000 migratory birds per year, Ensenada Pabellones is one of the most important wetland systems in Northwest Mexico. Analyzing satellite images and field samples, we identified that the most important threat is the invasion of aquatic plants. More than 27,180 acres of these wetlands are covered by water hyacinth and cattail due to the excessive concentration of nutrient loads draining from nearby cities and agricultural areas.

To attend this issue, in 2009 we brought in a sophisticated amphibious equipment to remove these weeds, and create the open water areas that are habitat for birds, restoring 617 acres of lagoons and 4 miles of canals, and reducing eutrophication while improving oxygen content in the water.

The management and restoration alternatives we developed are based on the population dynamics of waterbirds. They include actions for the preventive control of the propagules of aquatic weeds, seek the elimination of pollution sources, the creation of water treatment plants, and the assessment of the health status of the rivers that flow into these wetlands.