Lake Eğirdir is one of the important freshwater sources of Isparta and provides some of the city’s drinking water. However, the recent excessive pollution and falling water levels in the lake are causing the death of the surrounding aquatic life. Especially the snails, which are the nutrient of the lake, are showing this situation by washing up dead on the shores.
‘Lake Eğirdir is Dying!’
Dr. Erol Kesici, Scientific Advisor to the Turkish Nature Conservation Association, states that the snail deaths in the lake and Lake Eğirdir in general are under threat due to extreme drought and pollution. Factors such as the decrease in water level, the decrease in fish population and the excessive growth of aquatic plants disrupt the balance of the lake ecosystem and lead to problems such as eutrophication in the lake.
‘Natural Filters: Water Snails’
Water snails, which play an important role in Lake Eğirdir, act as natural filters in cleaning the water. However, the excessive proliferation of water plants and the death of water snails cause the lake ecosystem to weaken and other living things to suffer. Scientific methods must be used to protect the ecosystem in the lake.
‘Solution Suggestions and Points to Consider’
It is suggested that the dead water snails were found on the lake shore be evaluated and used as fertilizer or animal feed. In addition, evaluating these snails as food abroad and exporting them may be an option. However, while such processes are being carried out, the protection of the environment and the ecosystem should be prioritized. In addition, maintaining the water level in the lake and keeping aquatic plants under control are also of great importance for the health of the lake.
