The Albufera de Valencia is one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean, an environment where nature, tradition and biodiversity coexist in harmony. However, beneath the water’s surface lies an almost invisible protagonist that is essential to ensuring everything runs smoothly: the petxinot.
Die Albufera de Valencia ist eines der bedeutendsten Feuchtgebiete im Mittelmeerraum, ein Lebensraum, in dem Natur, Tradition und Artenvielfalt harmonisch miteinander verschmelzen. Unter der Wasseroberfläche verbirgt sich jedoch ein fast unsichtbarer Akteur, der für den reibungslosen Ablauf unverzichtbar ist: der Petxinot.
A quiet natural water treatment plant
The petxinot acts as a continuous natural filtration system. Each adult specimen is capable of filtering up to 50 litres of water a day, removing suspended particles and improving the water quality in the wetland
Thanks to this function:
- Water clarity is improved
- Turbidity is reduced
- The balance of the ecosystem is promoted
But its role goes far beyond that. It also helps to:
- Stabilising the lagoon bed
- Reducing sediment resuspension
- Creating microhabitats that promote biodiversity
For all these reasons, experts refer to it as the ‘Albufera posidonia’, a species that underpins the ecosystem
A past of abundance that has now almost disappeared
Decades ago, the petxinot was a common species in the Albufera. Densities of between 500 and 700 individuals per square metre were recorded, capable of filtering large volumes of water naturally
This natural balance allowed the water to remain clean without any human intervention. However, today their presence is minimal and confined to very specific areas such as irrigation channels or ullals.
A critically endangered species
The decline of the petxinot is due to a number of factors that have affected the ecosystem in recent decades:
- Water pollution (fertilisers, pesticides, microplastics)
- Eutrophication caused by excess nutrients
- Physical changes to the environment (dredging, changes in flow)
- Pressure from invasive species
- Decline in fish populations, which are essential for their reproduction
Their life cycle is particularly delicate, as their larvae need to attach themselves to fish in order to develop, making them a highly sensitive bioindicator of the state of the ecosystem
A recovery initiative led from Valencia
In light of this situation, a wide-ranging project has been launched that combines science, water management and institutional commitment: the “Alianza por el Petxinot”.
This initiative is led by the Oceanogràfic Foundation, the Aguas de Valencia Foundation and the Valencian Regional Government, and brings together scientists, technicians, public authorities and local stakeholders with a common goal: to restore a key species for the Albufera
The project includes:El proyecto contempla:
- Captive breeding programmes
- Research into their complex reproductive cycle
- Gradual reintroduction into the wild
- Scientific monitoring of populations
Thanks to this collaboration, a significant milestone has been achieved: the breeding of the petxinot in controlled conditions, paving the way for its long-term recovery
Practical measures in the field
This effort does not stop at the laboratory. By 2026, direct measures are already being implemented in the Albufera, such as the release of adult specimens and fish carrying larvae into the irrigation channels of the nature reserve
These actions aim to reactivate their natural cycle and encourage their expansion within the ecosystem, although experts warn that this is a long-term process that also requires improvements to water quality and the condition of the environment.
Furthermore, following events such as the DANA, emergency measures have been taken to save key populations and prevent their complete disappearance in some areas
A forward-looking project with European support
The recovery of the petxinot also benefits from public funding, including programmes supported by European funds aimed at the conservation of aquatic species and ecosystems.
These projects aim not only to prevent the extinction of the petxinot, but also to restore its role within the ecosystem, recognising that its presence is essential for water quality and the balance of the Albufera.
Science, outreach and awareness-raising
One of the most interesting aspects of this initiative is its social dimension. The Oceanogràfic in Valencia has set up a laboratory open to the public, where visitors can learn about the species’ recovery process and its ecological importance
In addition, outreach activities are being organised in the towns surrounding the Albufera to involve the local population in its conservation.
Much more than just a mollusc
The petxinot is much more than just an endangered species. It is a direct indicator of the health of the Albufera.
Where there are petxinots:
- The water is cleaner
- The ecosystem is more stable
- Biodiversity increases
And where it disappears, something fundamental ceases to function.
A shared responsibility
The recovery of the petxinot does not depend solely on scientific projects or institutions. It also requires collective commitment to protecting the environment.
Preserving this tiny mollusc actually means protecting an entire ecosystem.
Because, even though we cannot see them, at the bottom of the Albufera there are tiny allies working every day to keep the lagoon alive.
