| Summary: | The Ria de Aveiro is a lagoon located on the central coast of Portugal, embracing 11 municipalities. Its shallow body of water is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a single mouth. The lagoon is also integrated into the Vouga River basin. Its area varies from 83 km² on a high tide and 66 km² on a low tide, with 45 km of length. Its singular geographic framing and vast number of available natural resources have long since allowed to the exploration of Ria de Aveiro by the population that is settled in the region, which has largely contributed to the current configuration of the lagoon. The history, the culture and the socioeconomic context of the region are highly influenced by its proximity to the sea and by the Ria de Aveiro, which was used as a main communication route in the past. Important economic activities took place in the lagoon, such as fishing, seaweed harvesting and salt production. Moreover, fishing communities from the region were involved in cod fishing activities around Newfoundland, as well as in cod preparation and transformation for centuries. However, these traditional occupations have suffered a sharp decline throughout the last decades. Some activities have been reinvented by exploring cultural heritage for tourism purposes, whereas others have disappeared. The lagoon is characterized by its high biodiversity, which is recognized by several nature conservation statutes, as well as by its scenic landscape and strong cultural heritage. These features of the Ria reinforce the need to sustainably value, preserve and promote the vast natural and cultural heritage in the region.
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