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

IntroductionAs 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.

Drainage of Freshwater EnvironmentsIn 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 TurkeyTurkey 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.).

Household and Industrial PollutionIndustrial 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.

Biological and Chemical Control AgentsFauna 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.

Eutrophication, Agricultural inputs and outputsNitrogen 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.

SettlementsUncontrolled 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.

Exotic SpeciesIn 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, 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 SpeciesExcessive 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.

Problems affecting the management of wetlandsIn 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.

ConclusionWithin 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.

ReferencesDemirsoy, 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)

Erosion: A problem for wetlands

Karamuk Lake-Central Anatolia

Esen River-Mediterranean Region

Discharge of industrial wastes – Kızılırmak Delta-Black Sea Region

A Eutrophic Lake- Black Sea Region

Wetlands of Turkey (Anonymous, 1993; DSİ)

Pesticides application near Bafa Lake-Eagean region

Kızılırmak River-Amasya-Black Sea Region

Sander lucioperca -Percidae Atherina boyeri -Atherinidae

Hunting