engleski

Ecohydrology of Dojran Lake

In the Republic of Macedonia there are three natural lakes: Ohrid, Prespa and Dojran. Smallest one is Dojran Lake but not less significant as a water resource, natural wealth and scenic beauty. The last 15 years this place of natural heritage is threatened because the lake’ s water level decreased seriously. The lake watershed and the lake itself are shared by Macedonia and Greece. Recharge of the lake is from direct runoff, small rivers and groundwater. Since 1988 the lake surface area dropped from 42 km2 to 31 km2. This water declination together with the simultaneous deterioration of the water quality resulted with serious ecological impacts. Biodiversity diminished and the reduction of plankton led to a reduction of fish portion. Also the number of birds decreased dramatically. The attack on the ecosystem had a harmful impact on the economy in the region. How much the present state of this natural lake is under the impact of hydrology and climate, and how much this is due to some other, not clearly identified causes, should be main goals in future water management in both countries that share the lake and the watershed. As the environmental state of the water bodies are very close related to hydrological and water use characteristics in the region, there can not be made a complete environmental assessment without serious analyzes of the basic hydrological, meteorological and water management data. This paper will present the environmental state of the lake through hydrological, meteorological, water quality and biodiversity characteristics. The intention of the authors is to emphasize the vulnerability of the lake and its biodiversity and to initiate urgent and strong support of the international community in cooperation in water quantity and water quality management between both countries that share the lake and its watershed.

water management, hydrology, biodiversity, water level, precipitation, evaporation

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