The pollution of the Mar Menor, a saltwater lagoon located on the coast of the Region of Murcia in Spain, due to agricultural waste, has ignited a significant socio-environmental conflict since 2016, which has led to considerable political and social repercussions. This paper aims to enhance the understanding of such conflicts by analyzing discourse networks. Specifically, we will examine the composition and evolution of the discursive coalitions that have emerged around the Mar Menor crisis, tracing changes in actor participation and narrative framing over time. Our analysis seeks to map a polarized discursive landscape marked by a clash between an environmentalist narrative and a pro-agriculture discourse. Additionally, we will emphasize the growing involvement of agricultural actors in response to the enactment of the Law for the Protection and Recovery of the Mar Menor. This study provides insights into the dynamic interplay between environmental advocacy and agricultural interests, highlighting the broader implications for policy and governance in socio-environmental conflicts.
