Uluabat Lake

Turkey

The lake is located in the north-western part of Turkey. It has a surface of 135 sq. km and a maximum depth of 6 metres. There are nowhere more water lilies found than on this lake.

Up to 1,000 Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus), 136 Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), 42,500 Common Pochard (Aythya ferina), 13,600 Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) and 321,550 Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) winter in this area.

About 300 pairs of Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus), 30 pairs of Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) and 75 pairs of Spoonbill (Plataleinae) nest in the lake region. Also 25 pairs of Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and 10 pairs of Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) could be observed, breeding in the region.

Lake Uluabat is one of the important fishing fields in Turkey. Crayfish was an important income for the fishing men until 1980´s. Today carp is caught for commercial use. 21 fish species live in Uluabat Lake.

The lake water is used to irrigate the surrounding fields and plantations, where paddy and olive were cultivated. This detoriation in the water balance is threatening the wildlife.

Lake Uluabat is one of nine RAMSAR sites in Turkey. Futher problems are caused by the introduction of untreated industrial and communal waste water, pesticides and fertilisers, over-fishing and dams. The goal of our partner organisation and the Turkish Ministry of Environment is sustainable development in the lake region to become a model for other Turkish RAMSAR sites.

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