Wild world

Lake Kus

Lake Ku? or Lake Manyas is in the Bal?kesir region. This is a shallow nutrient-rich freshwater lake (average depth 3 m) fed by groundwater and four streams. Small deltas have formed where the latter enter the lake, comprising extensive marshes and tree-lined riverbanks. Narrow belts of reed Phragmites fringe much of the lake. More than 270 species of birds have been recorded at the lake. Water is abstracted for factory use and for irrigation. Cattle- and sheep-grazing is common along the lake shores.High threats include agricultural use and intensification, drainage and dam construction. Artificially high water-levels have resulted in the loss of feeding marshes. Nesting trees in the National Park have also begun to die as a result of prolonged inundation. Agricultural, industrial and household pollution enters the lake in large quantities. Due to over-fishing, disease, pollution and possibly the effects of the changing water regime, fish catches have declined drastically. Fish migration into the lake is now impossible following the construction of a regulator. Wikipedia

According to Ramsar Wetland Sites

Lake Kus is a turbid nutrient-rich lake fed by streams and groundwater, subject to seasonal fluctuations in level. The site includes small deltas, extensive marshes supporting reeds and rushes, and tree-lined river banks. The lake, on a migratory waterbird route, supports a rich plant community and provides important feeding grounds for birds. The site holds significant breeding populations of various species of waterbirds, several of which are threatened, and is important for wintering, migrating, and roosting birds. The lake supports 23 fish species and various species of reptiles and amphibians. Human activities include an important commercial fishery and scientific and educational programmes. The lake is an important water source for agriculture and industry

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