have dropped considerably, while those of mullet and American blue crab (a species introduced in the 1980s) have increased. Agriculture Rice growing is another traditional use, though more recent (since the 18th century); it has big economic and environmental importance because plant and animal species that have disappeared from the lake itself still live in the rice fields (where the water of the lagoon is purified). These rice paddies also provide food and shelter for many birds. Nevertheless, nowadays the amount of water that arrives to the lagoon is less than some years ago, and the quality of the water is worse. It needs a better management of its water, so it can be a good environment for the fish and plants that used to live there. Microbes of the Albufera L'Albufera is heavily dominated by Cyanobacteria, particularly Synechococcus. The natural microbial population of Albufera has been recently described. See also Index: Special Protection Areas of Spain List of Ramsar sites in Spain References External links Parc Natural de L'Albufera de València English audio guide (40 Chapters, about two minutes each) Coastal lagoons Lagoons of Europe Wetlands of Spain Natural parks of Spain Natural parks of the Valencian Community Protected areas of the Valencian Community Ramsar sites in Spain Special Protection Areas of Spain Geography of the Province of Valencia Landforms of the Valencian Community Estuaries of Europe Geography of Valencia