Thursday, April 16, 2009

Messolongi lagoon


These are some photos I took while driving by the Messolongi lagoon, which forms part of one of the largest wetland areas in Greece with a population size ranging from 25-35,000 birds. The lagoon is not particularly deep; its maximum depth is only 2 meters, hence the houses on stilts and flat boats.


The entire area has been shaped by the alluvial deposits of two major rivers, the Acheloos and Euenos. The area is rich in fish fauna comprising five basic species: striped grey mullet, bass, bream, eel, and gudgeon. Fishing is mainly practised by fish-traps installed at the exit of the lagoon near the sea.


The weather wasn't very nice in Messolongi, so we headed towards the fishing village of Astakos further west.


I took this photo as we were crossing the Acheloos river.


The saltpan of Messolongi produces 65% of Greek salt. The area is a perfect refuge for migratory birds that feed on a microscopic organism (Artemia salina) proliferating in the flooded saltpans.


Mmmm all that salt makes me think of chips.

11 comments:

Mandi said...

amazing place....the hills of salt intrigue me....

Mandi said...

also meant to say...the cherry blossom looks a lot bigger and more floral than the almond....but that is comparing my two trees...perhaps other cherry types are differant...

HalfCrazy said...

Whoa, what a beautiful and interesting place! We have houses on stilts too but I guess it's not for me as bringing along my Computer would surely make the house crumble lol.

And whoa, that's a mountain of salt!

Tinsie said...

@ Mandi: Ī¤hanks for the answer re: cherry/almond blossoms :-)

@ HalfCrazy: I'd hate living in a house on stilts, but they sure look pretty!

Maria Verivaki said...

spring is really beautiful in greece, dont you think!

Tinsie said...

It is indeed - very green, but not so many flowers. England's very multi-coloured at the moment. I suppose the flowers will come soon here too, probably in time for 1st May :-)

palmtreefanatic said...

wow! Thats a neat place! great pics!

Kate said...

Never been up to Mesologi but after seeing your pics I will definitely plan a visit up there. I love spring in Greece. It's my favourite season. Everything is green and the sky is so blue. It just fills my heart with joy...
at the thought that work will soon be over;-) Can't wait. Varkiza here we come!!!!

Tinsie said...

Kate, you should definitely visit! I even know someone who could put you up ;-)

Unknown said...

These are beautiful shots, great sequence!

Tinsie said...

Thank you :-)