Erçek Lake

Erçek Gölü is one of the closed-basin lakes located east of Van Gölü, approximately 30 kilometers from the center of Van. Situated at an elevation of 1803 meters above sea level, the lake has a total surface area of 22,263 hectares. Geomorphologically classified as a dam lake, Erçek Gölü is one of the main wetlands within the Van Gölü Basin.

The lake waters are saline and sodic, distinguishing them from freshwater ecosystems. The deepest point of the lake is 40 meters, with an average depth of 18.45 meters. Climatic conditions and evaporation rates in the region cause fluctuations in the lake’s annual water level.

^{Erçek Gölü (}AA⁾

The lake’s geological structure has been shaped by the influence of fault lines and volcanic deposits in the region. This area east of Van Gölü has undergone uplift and subsidence processes due to past geodynamic activity, resulting in the formation of the lake basin. The surrounding area is largely composed of basaltic rocks and tuffs. Due to the limited permeability of these rock types, the lake is primarily fed by surface runoff and seasonal precipitation.

The hydrological system of Erçek Gölü depends on the balance between precipitation, snowmelt, evaporation, and groundwater movements. As the basin is a closed system, water input comes exclusively from snow and rain; water output occurs entirely through evaporation. Consequently, the lake’s water level is sensitive to seasonal variations and long-term climatic fluctuations. Particularly during summer months, rising temperatures and increased evaporation rates lead to a reduction in the lake’s surface area.

According to satellite observations and field data, Erçek Gölü has experienced a significant reduction in surface area over the past thirty years. Data from the Landsat satellite show that the lake’s surface area decreased from 111 square kilometers in 1995 to 105 square kilometers by 2025. The primary causes of this change are prolonged drought periods, reduced precipitation, and increased evaporation.

As a result of this process, pronounced retreat has occurred along the lake’s shoreline, giving rise to new barren areas. This shift in the shoreline has affected not only water levels but also the surrounding vegetation and animal habitats. Evaporation is the dominant mechanism of water loss in the lake’s hydrological cycle and is driving long-term changes in the ecosystem.

Erçek Gölü is one of the ecologically significant wetlands in Eastern Anatolia, providing habitat for a variety of species. The lake’s ecosystem is one of the few areas in the region where terrestrial and aquatic life forms coexist. Ecological inventory studies have identified three amphibian species, nine reptile species, and nine mammal species in the lake’s vicinity. Some of these species are classified as Vulnerable (VU), others as Near Threatened (NT), and some as Endangered (EN). One of the endangered species is the White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala), which is globally threatened with extinction.

^{White-headed Duck (}AA⁾

Erçek Gölü is known as a “Bird Haven” due to its role as a nesting, feeding, and resting site for both migratory and resident bird species. Approximately half of the 453 bird species recorded in Türkiye have been observed in the Erçek Gölü Basin. The lake provides habitat for species such as the Shoveler, Greater Flamingo, Black-necked Grebe, Ruddy Shelduck, Common Teal, Van Sea Gull, and Flamingo. The use of the lake by flamingos during migration periods highlights its ecological importance. The shallow coastal zones of the lake offer suitable conditions for bird shelter and breeding.

The number of migratory birds increases from early June to the end of September. During this period, large numbers of waterfowl and flamingo flocks are observed. Because of these characteristics, the lake is also referred to as the “Erçek Gölü Bird Haven”.

^{Flamingos at Erçek Gölü (}Van Governorship⁾

As a result of conservation and monitoring efforts led by the Van Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the population of pearl carp in Erçek Gölü has increased in recent years. This increase is linked to the implementation of fishing bans and sustainable fishing practices.

Fishing activities conducted under the control of the S.S. Erçek Mahallesi Aquatic Products Cooperative have resulted in notable growth in the size and weight of the fish. The average length of pearl carp, which was 16–17 cm in previous years, has increased to 24–25 cm following conservation measures. A fishing ban is enforced between April 15 and July 15, the spawning period, during which monitoring is carried out.

These conservation measures contribute to maintaining the ecological balance of the lake and support the economic sustainability of local communities dependent on fishing.

^{Pearl Carp at Erçek Gölü (}Van Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry⁾

A significant decline in water level has occurred at Erçek Gölü over the past thirty years. The surface area, which was 111 square kilometers in 1995, has decreased to 105 square kilometers as of 2025. The prolongation of drought periods, reduction in precipitation, and increased evaporation have accelerated this change. Retreat along the lake’s shoreline has reached hundreds of meters, with some areas transforming into barren land. This has reduced the available habitat for birds’ nesting and breeding.

Global climate change directly affects water resources in the Van Gölü Basin. Rising temperatures, reduced precipitation, and prolonged droughts have lowered the water level of Erçek Gölü. According to assessments by Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, the maximum water levels previously observed by the end of June now occur as early as mid-May. The extension of drought periods increases evaporation and contributes to the lake’s area loss.

On April 9, 2020, Erçek Gölü was officially registered as a “Natural Site – Qualified Natural Conservation Area” and a “Natural Site – Sustainable Conservation and Controlled Use Area” under Ministry Decree No. 85288. It also holds the status of a “strictly protected sensitive area.” This registration aims to preserve the lake’s natural structure and ecological values and to implement principles of sustainable use.

A management plan has been developed for Erçek Gölü under the project “Conservation and Rehabilitation of Wetlands.” The first plan was completed in 2017. In 2023, the project “Revised Management Plan for Erçek Gölü Wetland and Mathematical Modeling of the Hydrogeological Structure” was initiated. Thirty percent of the project was completed in 2023, with completion planned for 2024.

^{Erçek Gölü (}AA⁾

Due to its location within the Van Gölü Basin and its accessibility, Erçek Gölü is one of the most intensively used areas in Türkiye for birdwatching activities. The lake hosts species such as the Shoveler, Ruddy Shelduck, Black-necked Grebe, Greater Flamingo, Common Teal, and Van Sea Gull, particularly during migration periods.

Observation points around the lake are vital for monitoring and recording bird behavior. These sites contribute to scientific research and the development of nature-based tourism.

Erçek Gölü holds a prominent position within the ecological integrity of the Van Gölü Basin. Approximately one-third of Türkiye’s wetlands are located within this basin, and the lake is recognized as a key area for biological diversity and waterfowl. Alongside Van Gölü, it contributes to the region’s hydrological balance and plays a vital role in the life cycles of migratory birds and endemic species.