: The "digging effort" for shellfish remains a traditional practice, contributing to the local culture and economy.
Aveiro, Portugal: The Venice of the Atlantic Known affectionately as the "Venice of Portugal," is a city where history, water, and art converge to create one of the most distinctive coastal landscapes in Europe. Located in central Portugal along the Atlantic coast, Aveiro is defined by its silver lagoon, the Ria de Aveiro , and the colorful moliceiro boats that glide through its urban canals. The Ria de Aveiro: A Living Ecosystem
: The lagoon is home to extensive salt marshes and seagrass meadows, such as Zostera noltei , which serve as critical carbon sinks and habitats for diverse flora and fauna.
: For centuries, Aveiro was the national center for salt, with its salinas (salt pans) producing high-quality salt used across the Portuguese economy.