Çakalburnu Lagünü

Çakalburnu Lagoon is a shallow wetland on the southern shore of the Gulf of İzmir, in the Bahçelerarası neighbourhood of Balçova, stretching to the west of İnciraltı City Forest. Local sources also call it the Çakalburnu Fishery, and it is a small but valuable natural area that has survived inside the city. A protected fishery lagoon The lagoon has first degree protected site status, and 121 bird species have been recorded here. Among them are the flamingo, Dalmatian pelican, great white pelican, cormorant, herons, ducks, coot, kingfisher and redshank. A biologist from Ege University recalls that filling in the area to build a cultural centre was once on the agenda, and that the lagoon was registered as a first degree protected site after objections. The lagoon is known as a wetland where traditional lagoon fishing of the Mediterranean basin was once practised, and the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation has declared it a sensitive area under strict protection. Its shallow water, reed beds and shores covered with glasswort offer a rich feeding ground for birds, young fish and other creatures. Birds through the seasons In the summer months black winged stilts, yellow legged gulls and spur winged lapwings can be seen at the lagoon. In the winter months water birds such as teals, spoonbills, coots and redshanks fill the lagoon. Flamingos can be seen at any time of year, and their numbers rise noticeably when the weather turns cold. According to experts, until the 1990s birds from the bird sanctuary on the northern side of the gulf used to feed in the wetland at Halkapınar. When Halkapınar became polluted, Çakalburnu turned into one of the main feeding spots for these birds inside the gulf. For this reason the lagoon is seen as a feeding stop that works together with the large bird sanctuary in the Gediz Delta. Water balance and pollution The İzmir Metropolitan Municipality announced that it had connected a freshwater source to the lagoon and prepared a protection plan so that the birds would not be disturbed. According to Kültür Portalı, the wetland where birds shelter and lay their eggs is protected by a wire fence. The same biologist from Ege University has stated that channels coming from the Balçova Dam feed the lagoon and that the water balance of the fishery changed after the dam was built. The lagoon's biggest problem is pollution in the gulf, and in recent years its surface has at times been covered with the green algae known as sea lettuce. A marine scientist from Dokuz Eylül University says that they never saw this algae before 2010 and now see it almost all year round. The same scientist has said that in 2023 four fifths of the area was covered with algae, and that without measures the lagoon could turn into a swamp. So when you visit, the colour and smell of the water may vary with the season, which shows how fragile this area is. How to explore The best way to see the lagoon is to follow the walking and cycling path along the shore and watch quietly from outside the protective fence. Bringing binoculars lets you see details without disturbing the birds. The birdwatching guide Birdingplaces presents the area as a small wetland inside the city and recommends spring for a visit. The migratory water birds that arrive in winter make the cold season attractive for watching as well. The view of reed beds side by side with the blue of the gulf also draws nature photographers. Because the ground is flat, walking here is not tiring and visitors of all ages can move around the lagoon with ease. Do not feed the birds, do not go inside the fence and keep your dog on a lead, because the area is a first degree protected site. Taking your rubbish back with you is the most concrete contribution you can make to this small wetland, which is already struggling with pollution. Getting there and the surroundings To get here you can take the buses that run from Konak towards İnciraltı or follow the coastal cycle path that starts in Konak. Those coming by metro can walk north towards the shore from the Balçova stations of the M1 line to reach the lagoon. The shaded paths of İnciraltı City Forest lie to the east of the lagoon, and the İzmir Museum Ships lie to the west. Thanks to this proximity, the lagoon fits easily at the centre of a half day walk along the shore. Remember that entry to the neighbouring city forest is not allowed after midnight.