An ecological-hydrodynamic approach for the sustainable management of a brackish wetland

Abstract

Maldonado River is located on the Eastern coast of Uruguay and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Close to its mouth, the river flows through the city of Punta del Este. At the lower end of this river, a saltmarsh is formed. Due to its size and high biodiversity, this ecosystem is unique in a coastal stretch of about 700 km, and constitutes a vital environment for many migratory species. This wetland is currently experiencing intense pressure due to the urban expansion of Punta del Este and Maldonado cities. In this paper, an integrated eco-hydraulics approach for the sustainable management of this wetland is presented. A numerical hydrodynamic model of the stream system was developed and then an ecological characterization of the environmental units was done. The results of the model, in combination with the evaluation of the environmental units, allowed setting up recommendations for the sustainable management of the area.