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The wetland of Morelli River, located in the areas behind the dunes of the park is characterized by the presence of ponds and ancient buildings for the practice of fishing. The river has a peculiar ‘L’ shape and runs for 800 meters, fed by numerous springs in its path of considerable extent, from which water flows slightly salty and sour, having gone through the underground limestone rock caverns.
The freshwater ponds created by the river in the wetland have been used for fish farming since the late nineteenth century, when the old system was built; this was used until the eighties and recovered in 2009, with the beginning of certified organic aquaculture activities. The system is composed by 7 basins and 11 locks, that regulate the water regime and controls the movements of the fishes in their spontaneous ponds and in the sea. The fish pond, a large soaking tub surrounded by towering perimeter walls, has a small covered area for the guard, and was used to hold the fish caught in the river, which would be sold later.
Fish farming, carried out according to these traditional methods, doesn’t consist in a real farm, but rather a planned uptaking of golden mullet and eels from the sea. The fishing is carried out only in December with the use of gill nets and fish traps; during this period, the park offers guided tours to spread the knowledge of sustainable fishing opportunities for environmental and food education.
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