ZEC Río Ouro

ZEC Río Ouro is a Natura 2000 protected area covering the middle and lower course of the Ouro River, which flows through the municipalities of Alfoz, O Valadouro, and Foz in the province of Lugo, Galicia. The river rises in the Serra do Xistral mountains and carves out a valley known locally as Val de Ouro before reaching the coast within Foz, where tidal influence shapes its final stretch into an estuary called Ría de Fazouro.

Why is this stretch of river protected?

The Ouro earned its status as a Zona de Especial Conservación (ZEC) thanks to its well-preserved riverside forest and the presence of rare and threatened species. Its waters and banks support conservation-priority populations, including Atlantic salmon and river mussels. Other species recorded here include lampreys, the Douro chub, Curtis's emerald dragonfly, and the Iberian desman — a small, elusive semi-aquatic mammal found only in parts of the Iberian Peninsula.

What shapes the landscape of the Ouro valley?

The river's middle and lower course runs through a well-preserved gallery forest dominated by alder, willow, buckthorn, ash, and hazel. This vegetation forms a natural ecological corridor, stabilizing the riverbanks against erosion and providing shelter for numerous animal species. Further downstream, where tides begin to influence the current, the landscape changes character: salt marshes covered in glasswort and rushes appear, leading into the Ría de Fazouro estuary.

Where does the river meet the sea?

The Ouro's mouth, known as Ría de Fazouro, is a small estuary almost entirely covered by salt marsh — a habitat type that is uncommon along the Galician coast. It opens onto the sandy beaches of Pampillosa and O Sarrido. Here, the river's fresh water mixes with seawater, creating conditions favorable to waterbirds and other species adapted to this transitional zone.

Can you fish in the Río Ouro?

The river also holds value as a fishing ground: its waters are managed as a coto salmonero, a designated area for salmon angling. The continued presence of Atlantic salmon in the Ouro is one of the reasons the area was included in the Natura 2000 network.

How can you explore the Río Ouro valley?

Marked walking routes follow the river, allowing visitors to experience both the forested valley section and the point where the river meets the sea. Walking along the riverbank offers a close view of the gallery forest, while the lower stretch reveals the transition from freshwater to marine environment within a relatively short distance.

Frequently asked questions

Where is ZEC Río Ouro located? In the province of Lugo, Galicia, spanning the municipalities of Alfoz, O Valadouro, and Foz.

What does ZEC stand for? Zona de Especial Conservación, the Spanish term for a Special Area of Conservation under the Natura 2000 network.

What species does this area protect? Among others, Atlantic salmon, river mussels, lampreys, the Douro chub, Curtis's emerald dragonfly, and the Iberian desman.

Where does the river reach the sea? Within the municipality of Foz, forming the Ría de Fazouro estuary, which opens onto Pampillosa and O Sarrido beaches.

Can you fish in the river? Yes, the lower stretch operates as a coto salmonero, a managed salmon fishing ground.