| At the mouth of the Arcachon basin, between Cap-Ferret and the Pilat dune (the highest in France, 350 feet, or 106 m, high), the Arguin bank shows through the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The site is made up of a group of sandy islets that change form and position according to marine winds and currents on a relatively regular cycle of some eighty years, varying the area from 375 to 1,200 acres (150 to 500 hectares). It was declared a nature reserve in 1972 and became part of the Natura 2000 conservation network in January 2005. The Arguin bank serves as a place for short stops, hibernation, or nesting for many migratory bird species. It primarily hosts a colony of 4,000 to 5,000 pairs of sandwich terns (Sterna sanvicensis), one of the three largest in Europe. Despite its protected status, the nature reserve is threatened by growing crowds of tourists, the development of oyster farming on its periphery, and sea pollution. In January 2003 it suffered heavily from an oil spill from the tanker Prestige, but swift action from conservationists allowed the damage to be contained, and in May 2003 there were celebrations when a new generation of chicks was born.
Visit the YAB Gallery for books and signed prints |
.&title2=Nature reserve, Aguin bank, Gironde, France (44°39’ N, 1°15’ W).&title3= Leyenda no disponible. "download in wallpaper")
Add the gadget "Earth from above" to your iGoogle page and learn every day a new photo