Conservation and restoration of endangered coastal areas: The case of small estuaries in Northern Spain

Abstract The extent of degraded estuarine and wetland zones on the north coast of Spain is discussed. A method for the analysis and diagnosis of such zones is proposed. The method is based on the identification and mapping of homogeneous environmental units and the definition of indicators for the assessment of these units in terms of attributes relevant for restoration and management. The specification of a set of criteria enables the diagnosis maps thus obtained to be transformed into maps with proposals for management actions, for which specific designs are proposed. The cost of the actions proposed is also estimated. The results obtained from the analysis in three small estuaries are extrapolated to determine the possible extent of different rehabilitation activities and to estimate the cost of recovery plans for the whole coastal sector analysed.