The Lagoon of
Óbidos
The most extensive coastal lagoon system on the Portuguese coast — an ecosystem of high ecological value, unique biodiversity, and vital economic tradition.
Fishing and shellfish harvesting represent the primary economic activities tied to the Óbidos Lagoon and are entirely dependent on this ecosystem. Although fishing is less dominant than in the past, it remains a vital economic driver for the region. Meanwhile, the harvesting of bivalve molluscs continues to hold a prominent place in the livelihood of local shellfish gatherers.
The Bateira is the traditional open-decked boat used by both fishers and shellfish gatherers in the Óbidos Lagoon.
In the past, these vessels were widely used for collecting seaweed. Today, bateiras are typically equipped with two petrol outboard engines: a main engine and an auxiliary unit for emergency use. Every two years, for routine maintenance, the bateiras are hauled out and submerged in freshwater to clean the hulls before being thoroughly dried and repainted.
The Lagoon of Óbidos is the most extensive coastal lagoon system on the Portuguese coast. It covers a total area of approximately 6.9 km2 and has an average depth of two metres, with water levels ranging from half a metre to five metres.
As a coastal lagoon system, it holds high ecological value due to its rich productivity, particularly regarding the biodiversity of its ecosystems, fauna, and flora, as well as its birdlife (serving as an observation site for various migratory bird species).
It connects to the ocean through an artificially maintained tidal bar (Aberta in local toponymy), which ensures the continuous exchange of water and sediments.
Its fauna includes fish species such as sea bass, sole, plaice, turbot, gilthead seabream, sea bream, and mullet, alongside other marine life such as clams, cockles, mussels, prawns, octopus, eel, and green crab, among others.
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(Source: https://www.cm-obidos.pt/municipio/gestao-do-territorio/lagoa-de-obidos, our translation)
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(Source: https://turismo.obidos.pt/lagoa-de-obidos/ , our translation)
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