Groups renew call for Salgados wetland reserve after new animal deaths

Environmental associations are again demanding the creation of the long-proposed Lagoa dos Salgados Natural Reserve, after dead fish, crabs and protected birds were found in the Ribeira de Alcantarilha, in Silves. Experts suggest low oxygen levels and heat may have triggered botulism outbreaks. Groups say similar deaths have occurred before at Lagoa dos Salgados and call it a foreseeable pattern rather than an isolated incident. A 2021-22 public consultation on the proposed 400-hectare reserve drew over 800 supportive submissions, but the reserve has never been formally established. Campaigners want coordinated, science-based monitoring instead of emergency responses after wildlife dies.