ENVIRONMENTALISTS have called for emergency measures to counteract the threat of pollution to the natural habitats at Lake Bafa.

Green algae-like substances have been bubbling to the surface at the lake, the largest in the region and on the outskirts of Didim. 

Now members of the region’s Protection and Nature Lovers Association (EKODOSD )have called for immediate action to curb further problems at the lake and to its natural habitat.

The association claimed the algae was first seen two weeks ago with dead fish on the surface, indicating a pollution problem.

According to experts, the lake is now showing signs of “eutrophication,” a process caused by an excessive proliferation of phosphate that could turn it into a swamp. 

They are urging the adoption of quick measures to prevent the extinction of fauna in the area. 

The contamination of the lake is mainly due to the increasing use of pesticides at farms in the provinces of Aydın, Uşak and Denizli, which are then carried via tributaries of the Büyük Menderes River.

“The proliferation of poisonous algae that started years ago along the coast near the villages of Kapıkırı and Gölyaka has now started covering the surface of the whole lake.

“The Bafa Lake is now close to entering the hypereutrophic stage, which is accepted the last stage of a lake’s lifecycle,” said Erol Kesici, a biologist at Süleyman Demirel University, who is following developments at the lake on behalf of the Association of Nature Lovers and the Protection of Ecosystems (EKODOSD).

He commented that the pollution problems would also dissuade tourists coming to the lake to enjoy nature, and, therefore, have a knock-on effect of local businesses and economies.

The head of the association, Bahattin Sürücü, said locals were unable to cope with the degradation of the Bafa Lake.

“The worst situation is in the villages of Kapıkırı and Gölyaka, where many touristic facilities operate. This portion of the lake is in a very bad shape and releases a very bad smell. The locals are helpless,” said Sürücü, emphasizing that current awareness of the issue was not enough. 

“We need to bring those who are causing this pollution to the Bafa Lake to show how they have destroyed the beauty and the ecosystem around the lake and how they have affected the lives of people living here,” he said. 

Bafa Lake, declared as a protected natural area in 1994, is also known as one of Turkey’s most important havens for migrant birds.