An overview of integrated and interdisciplinary studies on conservation of a coastal lagoon system in Turkey

• Published in: Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 364 - 379
• Main Authors: Seker, D.Z., Tanik, A., Gurel, M., Ekdal, A., Erturk, A., Kabdasli, S., Aydingakko, A.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01-08-2004
• Subjects: Conservation; Data analysis; Hydrodynamics; Natural resources; Turkey; Water retention and flow works
• ISSN: 1477-7835
• DOI: 10.1108/14777830410540117

This paper presents part of the results of ongoing integrated and interdisciplinary studies conducted at a vulnerable coastal lagoon system with the aim of protecting it from further anthropogenic pollution. The target area is in southwestern Turkey, consisting of a lake that joins the Mediterranean Sea via a lagoon channel system. Land resources in the watershed are identified, including all the elements of the physical environment that influence potential landuse, and are illustrated by the application of geographical information systems through mapping and visualization of various thematic layers of land. This study will enlighten those working on lagoon watersheds aiming at conservation of natural resources since it states the results of the studies conducted so far through various disciplines, and presents how data are utilized by the groups in an integrated manner. Based on the available data, premodelling studies on hydrodynamic modelling and on water quality modelling are also referred. Identification of a watershed depends on gathering satisfactory data, which will further be used to establish sustainable development and management plans, apart from utilizing the obtained data for watershed and hydrodynamic modelling approaches and to better understand such complex systems.