Mar Menor, Saltwater lagoon and protected wetland in Murcia, Spain.
Mar Menor is a saltwater lagoon in the Region of Murcia separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow sandbar. Five small islands rise from the shallow water, and the bay holds protected status as a wetland of international importance.
Iberians, Phoenicians, and Arabs used the lagoon over the centuries for trade and fishing. In the 16th century, watchtowers were built along the coast to protect against North African pirates.
The name means «smaller sea» in Spanish and refers to the reduced size of this body of water compared to the Mediterranean. Fishermen and sailors have used the bay for generations, establishing small harbors and traditional fishing huts along the shore.
The water remains warm throughout the year and is well suited for swimming and water sports. Several beaches and facilities line the shore, providing different access points to the lagoon.
In 2022, this lagoon became the first ecosystem in Europe to receive legal personhood. Citizens can now take legal action on behalf of the body of water and represent its interests in court.
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