Life Returns to Marmara Lake: Birds and Fishing Are Coming Back

Located within the borders of the Salihli, Saruhanlı and Gölmarmara districts of Manisa province and possessing the status of Nationally Important Wetland, Marmara Lake had almost reached the point of completely drying up in recent years as a result of the severe drought that engulfed the region. In the lake, which once hosted thousands of waterbirds and contributed to the regional economy, fishing activities had ground to a halt as water levels dropped to critical levels, boats were stranded on land, and parts of the cracking lake bed began to be used as agricultural land. Disagreements over the sharing of the lands surrounding the lake led to unrest and incidents of violence in the region over time, resulting in loss of life and injuries in the ensuing quarrels.

A change in this negative picture experienced in the region became possible thanks to the significant rise in water levels at Demirköprü Dam following the heavy rains effective throughout Manisa this year. The channeling of waters discharged from the dam into Marmara Lake, after the dam's water level exceeded safe limits, served as a lifeline for the dried-up lake. Thanks to this water replenishment and the impact of the rainfall, the water depth in the lake reached approximately 4 meters. In this wetland, which has reunited with water, the rediscovery of migratory birds that had previously disappeared is considered the most concrete and hopeful indicator that the ecological balance and natural life in the region have been revived.

In order to protect Marmara Lake from drying up again in the future, the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) has implemented a permanent project to meet the lake's water needs. Within the scope of this comprehensive project, it is aimed to deliver approximately 25 million cubic meters of water annually from the Bozdağ region to the lake via various regulators and the constructed Kendirlik Feed Canal. When this infrastructure work is completed, it is aimed that the lake will sustain its life in a sustainable way by gaining not only precipitation but also a regular water supply, thus ensuring the continuity of the ecosystem.

Salihli Chamber of Agriculture President Cem Yalvaç, evaluating the issue, emphasized that the lake holding water again is of great importance not only for natural life but also for agriculture and the regional economy. Stating that the decrease in humidity rate in the surrounding neighborhoods with the drying of the lake caused quality losses in grape and olive production, which are the livelihood of the region, Yalvaç also expressed that the risk of frost and drought increased, highlighting the severity of the situation. Yalvaç stated that the revival of the lake would provide relief not only ecologically but also agriculturally.

Noting that they observed that natural life in Marmara Lake became active again thanks to rainfall and water replenishment, Yalvaç said that migratory birds started to return to the region and hundreds of bird species were observed in the lake. Expressing that they expect fishing activities to resume in a short time as the most concrete reflection of this revival, Yalvaç stated that this development is extremely promising for both nature and the regional economy. Yalvaç emphasized that Marmara Lake is a vital ecosystem not only for Gölmarmara but also for Salihli, Saruhanlı, Ahmetli and surrounding settlements, adding that all institutions and citizens need to act with joint responsibility to ensure that the lake does not dry up again.