Gaià river reaches the Mediterranean see for the first time after 30 years

Many temporary streams in the Mediterranean are totally dry due the presence of reservoirs in the basin. Changing the management options may allow to reduce the negative effects with the use of controlled floods, which could activate sediment transport or facilitate the colonization of certain riparian plant species.

This has been the case of the lower Gaià River in Catalonia that had flow for the first time in 30 years thanks to the efforts of the authorities of the river basin and to the collaboration of the owner of the reservoir. The small flood has had an important effect on the riparian areas and has transported sediment to the sea.

Such management options (usually an exception in Mediterranean countries) should be implemented more frequently.