BIRDLIFE - LEAD IN LARNACA SALT LAKES AND PARALIMNI LAKE - Filenews 7/4
A study carried out in the framework of the European project LIFE IP Pandoteira highlighted a serious issue, according to BirdLife Cyprus: the presence of lead in two important wetlands of the Natura 2000 network, the Larnaca Salt Lakes and Paralimni Lake.
The study investigated pressures affecting the important species of these two wetlands, such as predation, illegal access, and the presence of lead. For lead, sediment and soil sampling was carried out from various locations, which showed increased concentrations in specific wetland areas.
Larnaca Salt Lakes
The results show that the high concentrations of lead in the sediments of Aliki are associated with the presence of the old shooting range in the area. The largest concentrations are located next to the area of the former shooting range and decrease as the distance from it increases, which indicates that it is the main source of pollution. In the Alykes complex is also Lake Latchi in Meneou (also known as Lake Soros) where hunting is allowed. A separate study of sediments in this particular lake also confirmed the presence of lead, which binds to lead pellets from hunting cartridges.
The effects on wildlife are already evident. According to data from the Game and Fauna Service, 169 Flamingoes have been diagnosed with lead poisoning in the Larnaca Salt Lakes from 2000 until today.
Paralimni Lake
In Paralimni Lake, the presence of lead is primarily associated with lead pellets from shooting and hunting activities. On the southernmost side of the lake, within the protected area, there is a shooting range, while hunting is allowed in part of the Natura 2000 area during the hunting season. The pellets accumulate in the soil and sediments of the pond, leading to increased lead concentrations in the wetland. In 2012, the European Court of Justice condemned Cyprus for its failure to protect Lake Paralimni and for its tolerance of activities that seriously endangered the ecology of Lake Paralimni, including the lack of measures to protect the Water Snake. One of the problematic activities highlighted in the conviction was the operation of the shooting range.
While a law banning the use of lead gunshot near wetlands has been passed since 2023, the legislation is not being implemented. In addition to the obvious need for implementation and monitoring of legislation, these findings also highlight the need to:
• restoration of wetlands to reduce the risk of lead poisoning of waterfowl;
• support the European Commission's proposal for a complete ban on lead in hunting cartridges and fishing weights across the EU, as there are alternative options for these uses.
Lead is a highly toxic metal, and there is no safe level of exposure. Its presence in the environment poses a serious threat to biodiversity and human health and makes it imperative to take immediate action. These wetlands are home to thousands of migratory birds every year, which makes their protection extremely important, both for nature and for public health.
