The project site consists of a very flat alluvial area, located between the sea and the Beymelek Lagoon (see Table A2.1). A topographical survey has been carried out during the mission by local staff, though the topographical map is not yet available at the time of writing this report. The average height of the area has been estimated at about 0.80 m above sea level, and preliminary calculations relating to earth works, water supply and drainage are based on this figure.
The topography is in general very favourable for the project proposed, especially for the establishment of earth ponds. A more detailed topographical map will be required before detailed design, and further localized surveys will be necessary depending on final engineering specifications.
A pedological survey was also carried out during the mission, and, although final analyses are not available, first on-site observations and tests gave sufficient indications about the suitability of the area for earth ponds. The upper soil layer contains enough clay for the construction of waterproof dikes. At about 0.80 cm depth a pure clay layer will guarantee complete impermeability of pond bottom.
Main available meteorological data are reported in Table A2.2 and A2.3 and show very favourable temperature conditions, especially high winter temperatures. Too low winter temperatures represent generally a limiting factor in some northern Mediterranean countries for both survival and growth rates.
High evaporation, especially during summer, also usually represents a constraint for semi-intensive pond culture, because of high salinity increase. This factor can be easily controlled in the case of Beymelek Farm thanks to the availability of brackishwater which will be used for the ponds.
The other parameters, such as number of days of snow or rain, overall humidity and wind strength, are well within the normal value ranges for aquaculture of this type and will not limit viability.
Previous studies have been carried out by the University concerning water quality parameters of spring and lagoon water. Main water quality data (temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen) are shown in Figures A2.4, A2.5 and A2.6. All other chemical and biological parameters, such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, ammonia, ion contents (Ca, Mg, CO3, HCO3, Cl, NO3, NO2, SO4), phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthos, show values which are suitable for the aquaculture purposes of the project (these data were not included in the report because of their secondary importance).
Overall, the lagoon water quality is excellent, compared to that of most Mediterranean lagoons, where normally, during the summer, highly eutrophic conditions create critical problems of low oxygen content in the water and consequent damage for fish survival. The Beymelek Lagoon can benefit by a good water renewal due mainly to the brackishwater spring (minimum flow of 2.1 m3/sec, measured during the mission).
The spring water is also of a suitable quality for the project proposed: normal dissolved oxygen and ammonia contents, temperature ranging from 15° to 20°C (high enough during winter and with a favourable cooling potential for summer, to avoid too high water temperatures in the rearing ponds), and salinity ranging from 2 to 8‰ (low enough to maintain normal salinities during summer in the rearing ponds).
No data were available for seawater, but there is absolutely no environmental factor, such as domestic or industrial pollution, eutrophication, etc., which could affect seawater quality and suitability for the project.
Important variations of the hydraulic level of the lagoon are caused by the lagoon mouth, which is neither stable nor permanent (sand) and can be easily filled-up by sand during sea storms. In order to resolve this problem the project includes the establishment of a permanent channel (25 m wide) and two sea dikes in order to protect the channel outlet from filling-up during storms. Furthermore, this channel will allow the construction of a permanent and efficient fish barrier for a better lagoon management.
No data were found by the mission concerning bathymetry, tides, currents and waves (they do not exist in Turkey for the area in question). Most of the information needed for the design of the sea dikes (for farm inlet channel and lagoon outlet) have been collected directly by the mission by visiting the three main harbours in the area and through a meeting with the Regional Director of the Harbour Authorities in Antalya.
