Over the past century, Burullus Lake has shrunk by about 30%, decreasing from over 600 square kilometres as urban development and agriculture have converted wetlands into farmland and fish farms.
A recent study in the Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries (2023) highlights how these changes have critically affected the lake’s biodiversity.
Native plants of Burullus Lake thrive near the sea, while an old fish circle and invasive plants dominate the area closer to the Nile. Photos: The Niles / Sara Haggag
Fishermen navigate shrinking waterways. Photo: The Niles / Sara Haggag
Marine species such as Dicentrarchus labrax have declined, and some, like Argyrosomus regius and crabs, have disappeared altogether.
On the other hand, freshwater fish production, particularly tilapia and catfish, has fluctuated dramatically, showing an overall shift towards species adapted to freshwater.
Burullus Lake: A landscape under transformation. Photos: The Niles / Sara Haggag
Local fisherman Ahmed ElGammal observes these changes first-hand: “I used to catch plenty, but now fishing all day brings little. In winter, the smell from pollution is terrible, and fish move further from the shore.”
Burullus Lake faces pollution from untreated sewage and agricultural runoff, introducing harmful chemicals into the water. The invasive water hyacinth thrives in these conditions, blocking sunlight and consuming oxygen, which harms aquatic life.
Invasive water hyacinth fills Drain 9, choking native plants and obstructing boat travel. Photos: The Niles / Sara Haggag
The dense hyacinth mats also hinder water flow, leading to stagnation. “The wind brings them here,” shared a fisherman from Shakhlouba. “Moving our boats has become a struggle.” However, some fishermen have adapted by using the plants to create makeshift traps for fish.
Once a haven for birdlife, Burullus Lake now witnesses dwindling bird populations. Breeding colonies like herons are declining due to habitat loss and pollution. While studies indicate a rise in species diversity, community density has dropped, signalling an imbalance in local ecosystems.
A lone egret wanders the polluted shores of Burullus Lake, where habitat loss has driven many birds away (left). A deceased egret near the shore reflects the ongoing impact of pollution on bird populations (right) and one with the catch of the day (bottom) Photos: The Niles / Sara Haggag
Lake Burullus has gained attention as an ecotourism spot, drawing visitors for bird-watching and boat tours and boosting the local economy.
In response, government efforts aim to clean the lake’s waters and manage water hyacinths. Community leaders in Damro report annual efforts to clear the hyacinths, with the main push in June.
The future of Lake Burullus hinges on a committed conservation approach that balances ecosystem protection with sustainable human use.
