In the Delta de la Leyre site, the Pointe de Graveyron and part of the Ile de Malprat have been left to evolve freely since their reconnection to the sea in the 2000s. The hydraulic basins reconnected to the sea have thus benefited from hydro-sedimentary processes that have allowed the salt meadow habitat to re-establish itself. In addition to its ecological interest, this habitat now helps wave energy absorption and thus reduces the risks of submersion and erosion of the dikes located behind it. They are the subject of much scientific monitoring.

The Conservatoire du Littoral undertakes global actions to strengthen skills and share knowledge. It includes sharing and building on the experience and approach adopted on the site, as well as educational actions for children, users and coastal guards. Thus, the Conservatoire du Littoral is developing and deploying an educational programme for secondary school classes as well as events for the general public to highlight the interest of these initiatives of marine reconnection.

The Conservatoire du Littoral is carrying out on-site research actions such as historical and prospective analysis of the evolution of the landscapes; updated analysis of the social perception of the users; as well as developing decision-making tools (economic and multi-criteria analyses) around possible long-term evolution scenarios.

It is also working on the implementation of an ecological quality indicator. This research project, carried out in partnership with the National Museum of Natural History as part of the Adapto project, aims to develop an ecological quality indicator tailored for natural coastal environments. This indicator should allow the description of the reconnection impacts  on the ecological quality of natural coastal areas and the monitoring of their evolution. It is pivotal for the Conservatoire du Littoral and its managers that intend to improve the environmental quality of the coast. It also entails the provision of answers to the concerns expressed by various environmental stakeholders about the potential negative impacts of marine reconnection on species relying on these ‘soft environments’.