Bio-diversity

The hydrologic regime of Butrinti wetland complex has been greatly disrupted by the diversion of Bistrica River and there is a steady decline in the environment parameters of the lake. Instead of a complex mosaic of salt, brackish and freshwater habitats today the lake is approaching marine strength waters. Typical marine species such as squid, octopus and jellyfishes have become common. There are practically no salinity gradient that once sustained a variety of freshwater and marine species and due to lack of flushing the lake has become eutrophic. The lake is continuously stratified with an anoxic zone starting in winter at approximately 8-10 meters as well as some cases of anoxic waters reaching the surface with catastrophic results for the aquatic life including the million dollar mussel cultures. This project will bring to full efficiency (1) the channel and; (2) the controlling sluices in the structure that connects the Bistrica river with the lake itself. It is expected that the freshwater input will increase from 2m3/sek to 10m2/sek. The beneficiary of the project will be the fisherman community of the lake.

Albania