Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lagoon Conservation
High waters aren't the only concern. Venice's foundations are taking a pounding as never
before, with new stresses from wakes of speeding motorboats and industrial pollutants.
When pollution and silt fill in shallow areas, algae takes over, threatening building founda-
tions and choking out other marine life. Since 1930 an estimated 20% of bird life has disap-
peared, 80% of lagoon flora is gone, and lagoon water transparency has dropped 60%. The
birds perched on canal posts, the plentiful crabs, the gleaming teal waters: all the distinctive
features of Venice's Unesco World Heritage-listed lagoon are at risk.
Venetians have made remarkable progress in preserving lagoon life. Industrial waste
from mainland Porto Marghera has been curbed over the years, and water is cleaner today
than in the 1980s. Plans are under way to convert inland industrial complexes into hi-tech
parks, sustainable fisheries and wetland preserves.
