The Encañizadas: reading the old fish traps from Punta de Algas

At the northern opening of the Mar Menor, fish once moving between lagoon and Mediterranean were guided through elaborate fences of stakes and reeds. These encañizadas are both fishing technology and landscape: channels, currents, shallow water and seasonal migration all matter. Punta de Algas provides the respectful public viewpoint.

Why it matters

The Encañizada de la Torre and Encañizada del Ventorrillo retain the characteristic two-storey work buildings and long ranks of wooden structure. Their position at the golas allowed fish to enter the Mar Menor as juveniles and be intercepted on later movement. Salt production, dunes and fishing therefore share one narrow, intensely worked wetland edge.

Plan the visit

Approach through the Salinas y Arenales regional park toward Playa de la Llana and Punta de Algas. The experience is deliberately distant: water channels and protected ground separate walkers from the fishing structures. Binoculars make the construction and birdlife clearer without leaving the route. Wind and sun can be stronger here than in Lo Pagán.

• Remain on marked paths and never wade toward the traps or work buildings.
• Take binoculars and use a long lens rather than approaching birds.
• Check heat, wind and park access notices before the exposed walk.
• Leave shells, plants, salt crust and fishing material in place.

Connect the story

The San Pedro salt-and-lagoon guide explains the ponds and dunes around the route; El Estacio shows another engineered opening farther south.

Sources

Written in September 2026 from San Pedro del Pinatar council's official Encañizadas and Punta de Algas record and regional protected-area mapping.

Wetland routes, fishing activity and wildlife restrictions vary seasonally. Follow signs on the day and give working and protected areas space.