By Sara Haggag (EGYPT)
Burullus Lake, Egypt’s second-largest lake, lies between the Damietta and Rosetta branches of the Nile River and stretches out toward the Mediterranean Sea.
Since becoming a Ramsar protected area in 1998, it has been a haven for over 100 species of migratory and resident birds, supporting a vibrant aquatic ecosystem. However, human activity has put the lake under severe environmental strain.
The shrinking size of the lake
Over the last century, Burullus Lake has shrunk by about 30%, from over 600 square kilometres to a much smaller area. This decline is largely due to urban development and the conversion of wetlands into agricultural land and fish farms.
Interactive content by FlourishA recent study from the Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries (2023) shows how this has adversely affected critical wetland habitats and their supporting biodiversity.
This change has disrupted the lake’s ecological balance. For example, marine fish like Dicentrarchus labrax have sharply declined, while populations of Argyrosomus regius and crabs have vanished.
On the other hand, tilapia production rose from 42.8% in 1963 to 72% in 1992, dropping to around 62.1% in 2015. Catfish production bounced from 188 tons in 1963 to 11,611 tons in 2009, indicating a shift from marine to freshwater species.
According to Dr. Alaa M. Younis’ study, local fishermen like Ahmed ElGammal notice the impact firsthand. “I used to catch a satisfying amount of fish, but now even fishing from dawn till dusk yields little,” he shared.
ElGammal also disclosed how the water quality has worsened, stressing that “in December and January, the smell from leaks into the lake is unbearable, pushing fish far from the shore and making our job much harder.”
Pollution and invasive species
Burullus Lake struggles with pollution from untreated sewage and agricultural runoff. This introduces harmful pesticides and chemicals into the water. An invasive plant, the water hyacinth, flourishes in these polluted conditions, blocking sunlight for submerged plants and consuming oxygen, which harms fish and other aquatic life.
These dense mats can also disrupt water flow, causing stagnation and making boat navigation difficult. A local fisherman from Shakhlouba lamented, “The wind carries them here; we can barely move our boats.”
Yet, some fishermen have found a silver lining, using the water hyacinths to create makeshift traps to catch fish.
Impact on Birdlife
Once thriving, bird populations now struggle. The decline of breeding colonies, like those of herons, shows the ecological imbalance resulting from habitat destruction and pollution. Studies suggest a rise in species richness but a drop in community density, signalling trouble for local wildlife.
Ecotourism and Restoration Efforts
Lake Burullus has become a popular spot for ecotourism, offering boat trips and activities that help the local economy. The government is working to clean the water and manage the invasive water hyacinths, with community leaders in Damro noting efforts to clear them regularly in June. It is evident that the future of Lake Burullus depends on the dedication to conservation and smart management that protects its wildlife while allowing for human activities.
This EverydayNile story was supported by InfoNile, MICT and FOTEA with funding from the IHE-Delft Water and Development Partnership Programme, JRS Biodiversity Foundation and GIZ, on behalf of the German Federal Government.
