The Ghadira Reserve : physico-chemical characteristics of the pool

Abstract

The Ghadira Reserve is the largest saline marshland in the Maltese Islands. It is a protected bird sanctuary and a review of its development may be found in Sultana (1990) and a more detailed description of the area is given in Borg et al. (1990) This paper will present data on the physico-chemical parameters in the waters of this marsh as recorded from four fixed stations over a period of one year (May 1985 - April 1986). The purpose of this investigation was to provide information to the ecological study of the Ghadira pool (Borg et al., 1989) and thus to contribute towards the basic environmental information which is essential for the correct management of such reserved areas. The present Ghadira marsh complex consists of a central pool with a number of small artificial 'islands' (Figure 1). The pool is surrounded by a embankment and a ditch to limit public access to the area. Furthermore, the ditch was designed to collect rainwater and drain it into a freshwater reservoir constructed on the west side of the pool at the farthest side from the sea. This reservoir was to supply the central pool with enough water throughout the year and thereby to prevent its drying up during the summer months (Axell, 1980). The Ghadira marsh complex is separated from the sea (Mellieha Bay) by a road and a narrow sandy beach which together are approximately 100m wide.