The preparation of the works to be carried out on the site at the Salins de Villeneuve is the main objective of this action.

The site at the Salines de Villeneuve has the advantage of having been the subject of previous pilot studies. Diagnostics of the relevant zones were carried out within the framework of colonial charadriiforme conservation programmes carried out during 2007-2012.

Taking into account these previous studies, with the support of the AMV, a detailed survey of the exterior basins will determine the best placement for the island. Precise bathymetries of the exterior basins will also be established in order to validate the future placement of the island and to anticipate the management of water levels across the sector, with the aim of favouring conditions for the colonial charadriiformes and reducing unwanted competition from the yellow-legged gull. The results of these surveys will be analysed and then mapped onto GIS. These surveys will define precise work specifications and will be used when putting the various tasks out to tender to sub-contractors: works on the Salines de Villeneuve site require specialised skills due to the nature of the soil and the fragility of the habitats found there.

The AMV will also provide their expertise through the preparation of the hydraulic systems across the site. All data will be filtered through to management as well as to other interested parties, such as the co-manager of the site: SIEL; the site owner, the Conservatoire Littoral; and the commune Villeneuve-lès-Maguelonne. At the same time, where necessary, the required work permits will be obtained from the relevant authorities: the water management department at DREAL Languedoc-Roussillon. The site owner, the Conservatoire Littoral, will also be consulted for authorisation.

This preparatory phase will be carried out during the first year of Life+ ENVOLL.

Expected outcomes:
 A technical review (diagnostic)
 Defined work specifications
 Specific works to be put out to tender and for a sub-contractor to have been selected for each job
 Necessary work permits obtained from the relevant authorities

Implementing body:
Conservatoire d’espaces naturels du Languedoc-Roussillon

Sites :
Salines de Villeneuve / Site Natura 2000 : Etangs palavasiens et étang de l’Estagnol