Start of the sailing season
The navigability season on the Ebro river has begun strongly, opening up to motor boats and kayaks since Good Thursday. This initiative, which will last until October 31, will allow water lovers to enjoy the river between Ascó and Amposta. The director of the IDECE, Bibiana Porres, has urged all the sailors to take extreme security measures due to the remarkable water flow currently presented by the river.
The Ebro River: Economic and Tourist Motor
Joan Castor Gonell, Government Delegate in the Terres de l’Ebre, emphasized the importance of the Ebro river as a pillar of the sustainable economy. He emphasized that collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to enhance this natural wealth. A recent example is the introduction of an electric river boat in Amposta, which symbolizes the commitment to environmentally friendly tourism. “The Ebro river is a treasure that we must know how to take advantage,” he said with passion.
Campaign Objectives
The IDECE is marked as a milestone to exceed 35,266 users last year, with a total of 6,966 boats, including 6,219 canoes. This growth is a signal of the growing attraction of the river as a destination for water leisure.
Preparations and infrastructure
To guarantee a safe and pleasant experience, IDECE has installed 246 buoys along the river and has adapted 19 river pier. In addition, the institute takes care of the river cleaning, with a team that includes two reapers and various boats dedicated to maintaining the health of the river.
Invasive Species Control
Another key aspect of river management is to control the pests of invasive species, such as the zebra mussel and the masque snail. All boats navigating the river have a free disinfection service, and it is mandatory to obtain the corresponding authorization to navigate.
Future of the navigable route
Looking to the future, IDECE plans a new contract for the maintenance of the navigable road that currently covers the section from Ascó to Amposta. Porres mentioned that there is an intention to expand this route, although this would mean overcoming significant logistical and financial obstacles. “Political will will be key to making the extension a reality until the mouth,” he concluded.
