Already a port in Punic times, and always a synonym of fishing and salt production, the laguna's importance is now internationally recognised. The Cagliari lagoon is a wetlands area of 1300 hectares just outside the capital, and has historical and natural value. This was the location shared by the Macchiareddu saltworks, where production continued up to the 1970s; Porto Canale, Sardinia's main industrial port; the Santa Gilla lagoon; the Capoterra pools and sa Illetta, once known as the Island of San Simone, which was united with the mainland in the 16th century.