In the mid-18th century, the domain of Certes and Graveyron took on its current appearance thanks to the Marquis de Civrac. He had dikes built on the maritime swamp and basins constructed to exploit the salt. But salt mining soon became unprofitable and was stopped at the end of the century. By reconverting certain ponds, a switch was made to fish farming. This activity also came to an end in the 1960s. Fortunately, the streams, reed fields, wet meadows, deciduous and coniferous forests were preserved. Thanks to the presence of salt, brackish and fresh water, many birds come to seek refuge at high tide.