Transcript Slayt 1

THE THREATS AND THE CHALLENGES OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ON
TURKISH WETLANDS
Abel U. Udoh*, Aydın Akbulut**, Kazım Yıldız*
*Gazi University, Faculty of Education, Dept of Biology, 06500 Bestepe – Ankara
** Gazi University, Faculty of Arts & Science , Dept of Biology 06500 Beştepe-Ankara
Introduction
As a result of lying on the transition point among Europe, Asia and Africa, surrounded by 3 seas with different ecological characteristics, with more than 5,000 m above sea level and arising from these
characteristics that lead to diversity in climate, Turkey has got one of the most important wetlands in the geographical region in which it is situated.
Two hundred wetlands have been identified in Turkey in accordance with Ramsar’s Criteria. Among these, 13 are still designated as Ramsar, while the rest are potential Ramsar Areas.
Due to pollution and excessive water use along the Turkish marsh lands and lagoons, the risk of draught has been extensively increased. Also, efforts made in the past toward the expansion of arable lands
through drainage and reclamation, had led to the loss of some important wetalnds. Within the last 40 years, as a result of reclamation, fillings and the interception of water systems, approximately 1.3
thousand hecters of land with its ecological and economic characteristics have been destroyed. It is estimated that with a total of 2.5 million hecters of wetlands in Turkey, more than a half of these have been
lost within the above quoted period (Anonim, 2008).
Environmental problems of Turkey have increased to a critical level in the last 20-30 years. Thus, most of the terrestrial and aquatic organisms, especially those living in wetlands, have to be investigated and
monitored more comprehensively
Devastation of Forests - Grasslands and Erosion
Considering that 80 percent of Turkey’s lands are in danger of erosion, it
can be understood how the species of freshwater environments are exposed
to danger. There are two main effects of erosion:
- Deformation of especially stagnant wetlands by materials and particules
moved by erosion. This is the case in all wetlands adjacent to sloped
surfaces with high potential of erosion
- Irregular flow of water due to erosion damage the larvae of many species.
This is the case generally observed in rivers flowing through canyons, as in
Çoruh and Çine rivers. In these rivers, most of the species cannot migrate
from the coasts into the land and they remain as local populations. In many
rivers of Turkey, such as Euphrates, Tigres, Aras, Ceyhan, Seyhan and
Göksu, organisms can not thrive easily because of the great amount of the
riverbed scour. This is observed in almost all streams without trees in their
basins.
Karamuk Lake-Central Anatolia
Wetlands of Turkey (Anonymous, 1993; DSİ)
Erosion: A problem for wetlands
Drainage of Freshwater Environments
In order to provide new agricultural lands, most of the valuable wetlands have
been ruined by DSI (General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works) since in
the past. The most critical one was the loss of Amik Lake, which was a great
habitat for numerous species. The drainage of Amik Lake resulted in the
extinction of a bird species named Darter (Anhinga melanogaster).
A great number of wetlands have lost their biological activities and
efficiencies because of irrigation with water drained from them. Sultan
Marshes and Bafra Lakes are examples of this threat . They are losing their
waters because of the irrigation and dams.
Dams constructed on most of the rivers and creeks have resulted in decrease
in populations of species whose larvae are dependent on streams.
Accordingly, species with larvae adapted to stagnant waters increase in
number. Some rivers and streams flow through pipes and acting as another
threat for the habitats of the aquatic organisms.
Dams constructed for energy and irrigation also may lead to extinction of
many plants and animal species. In the ongoing project GAP (A large scale
Energy and Irrigation Project in Eastern Anatolia) a comprehensive study on
the biological resources which might be affected has not been carried out.
Some animals and plant species which are endemic to the steppes of Eastern
Anatolia Mountains are likely to become extinct (Demirsoy, 2001).
Effects of global warming on water systems in Turkey
Turkey is situated on the subtropics. When the water levels in lakes are
compared between the past and the present, it is observed that, there has
been a tremendous reduction in water levels in the lakes. Due to water
chemistry, some wetlands without activities such as potable water supply,
agricultural and industrial waters, have dried out completely caused by
global warming. This is feasible especially among lakes in the Central
Anatolian region facing a complete dry up (Hotamış marshes, Akşehir Lake,
Çorak Gölü, Eşmekaya marshes, etc.) or those with heavy water loss
(Beyşehir Lake, Karamuk Marshes, Eber Lake, Burdur Lake, etc.).
Pesticides application near Bafa Lake-Eagean region
Biological and Chemical Control Agents
Fauna of Anatolia have been negatively affected by pesticides and
insecticides for many years. Pollution by these chemicals resulted in
extinction of many species. As there have been no comprehesive studies in
the past, it is not possible to scientifically explain which species have been
extinct. Agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, detergents and toxic
gases concentrated in the atmosphere lead to acid rains and become
extremely harmful for the fauna.
Fish species (Aphanius sp., Gambusia sp. etc.) used for biological control
of mosquito populations, reproduce in high rates and in some cases,
become an unrestrained threat for the target organisms. Bacillus
thuringiensis also leads to negative impacts on the larvae of the
organisms. The most important is the use of chemical insecticides, which
have negative impacts on the non-target species as well. This is an
important case in general as a threat to the fauna of lakes and wetlands.
With the chemical control agents, many other species are eradicated
together with the mosquito larvae. Mosquito species are capable of
reproducing in high rates while other organisms (Odonata,
Ephemeroptera, Hemiptera, crabs, etc.) can not maintain their populations
easily. As a result, after the use of chemical agents, mosquito populations
become dominant and increase to uncontrollable levels. This is the case
observed in many wetlands of Anatolia, especially the ones in and around
the Marmara Region.
Settlements
Uncontrolled settlements are increasing especially in the coastal
regions which have the greatest biological diversity. Populations of
many aquatic species are decreasing dramatically because of intensive
construction activities.
There has been increase of pressure on wetlands in the touristic
regions of the Mediterranean. This region is important as it is the
entrance and spreading point for the African species, which migrate
into Anatolia. Along the Mediterranean coastal regions, dramatical
reductions in many populations have been recorded since many years
ago.
Kızılırmak River-Amasya-Black Sea Region
Esen River-Mediterranean Region
Household and Industrial Pollution
Industrial and recreational facilities established near the lakes are pollution
sources for aquatic biota. This is an important issue for Sapanca Lake, which
would be considered as a future water source for Istanbul. Household wastes
are swept into the lake and streams feeding the lake as sources of pollution in
the lake.
Especially in the regions with calcium carbonate-poor soils (Black Sea Basin
and Partially Marmara), urbanisation and industrialisation activities are
leading to acidification. With acid rains and floads, acid levels in most of the
lakes of these regions are increasing. High levels of acidity affect the egg
hatching and larval development of aquatic organisms negatively. In Turkey,
there are not any comparative studies on this yet.
Discharge of industrial wastes – Kızılırmak Delta-Black Sea Region
Eutrophication, Agricultural inputs and outputs
Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers increase primary production
especially in stagnant waters and promote excessive plant growth and
decay, favouring simple algae and plankton over other more complicated
plants, and cause a severe reduction in water quality. This state is named
as eutrophication and results in lack of oxygen needed for many species
to survive.
Eutrophication can be observed in many lakes and wetlands of Anatolia,
primarily in Aegean, Marmara and Mediterranean regions. In Lakes
Hoyran, Karamuk and Eber, eutrophication has damaged the ecology
heavily. Today only 10 % of natural diversity can survive in these
environments.
Sander lucioperca -Percidae
Exotic Species
In an attempt to increase aquatic products especially in lakes, dams
and running waters, some fish species and freshwater crayfish brought
into the waters, have helped in destablizing the wetlands with some
species made extinct. In the 1950s, Sander lucioperca, a water
carnivore injected into Eğirdir Lake contributed to ridding 10 out of
the 16 fish species found in the lake. In addition, Oncorhynchus
mykiss which is natural species of Canada, reared in Turkish
freshwaters, became a threat to the Salmo trutta abanthicus, Salmo
trutta macrostigma, Salmo trutta labrax, being natural fish species
found in Turkey. The introduction of freshwater crayfish into lakes, Atherina boyeri -Atherinidae
has caused the reduction of species such as Carp in lakes and dams.
Also, cultured species with its virus, bacteria and fungus, have
exposed other fish species to high risks.
Hunting and Commercial Collection of Species
Excessive and illegal hunting affects mammals, birds and fish found in
wetlands. Commercial collection of many species is another important
threat for the diversity of wetlands. In many lakes and wetlands of
Anatolia, frogs, slugs, snakes (Vipera kaznakovi), medicinal leeches
(Hirudo medicinalis, Hirudo verbana) and turtles are collected in large
numbers and exported.
The use of dynamite, gypsum, high electric voltage shocker and gas
cylinders by some fishermen are known to cause mass deaths of fishes.
During migration, the use of primitive traps and other forbidden tools in
addition to untimely fishing periods are some of the factors threatening
some fish species. With a population of more than 2 million hunters in
Turkey coupled with a weak and incomplete control of fishing and hunting
activities, several species of animals have come face to face with
extinction. With a collection of the above factors in addition to heavy
hunting pressures, fishes, birds and mammals, are seriously affected.
Hunting
Problems affecting the management of wetlands
In recent years, preparations have been started toward finding solutions
for the problems affecting the management of wetlands in Turkey.
However, there are barriers militating against the implementation of the
plans in relation to these wetlands which are of international importance.
Due to conflicts among some public institutions and establishments,
implementation of plans and programs do not attend optimum
productivity levels. For this reason, it is therefore, necessary to centralize
authorities under one institution to be able to control the wetlands.
A Eutrophic Lake- Black Sea Region
Conclusion
Within the last decades, great strides have been taken toward
protecting the Turkish wetlands. However, for the purpose of
preservation, development and the intelligent use of the
wetlands, harmonious sectorial policies, powerful mitigation and
effective control mechanisms must be put in place.
References
Demirsoy, A., 2001, The Textbook of Linmnogy, Hacettepe University, Biology
Dept., Ankara.
Anonymous, 2008, Küresel Isınmanın Etkileri ve Su Kaynaklarının
Sürdürülebilir
Yönetimi
Konusunda
Kurulan
(10/1,4,5,7,9,10,11,13,14,15,16,17) Esas Numaralı Meclis Araştırması
Komisyonu Raporu, 513 p., Ankara.
Anonymous, 1993, General Directorate of Military Map Managment. Ankara.
DSİ, 2010, http://www.dsi.gov.tr/diger/topsuresim/dunya.gif)