Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Regional Studies in Marine Science, cilt.97, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study highlights the distinct short-term dynamics of submerged macrophytes in the two eutrophic coastal lagoons of Laka Balık and Uzungöl. Despite their proximity, the lakes exhibited notable differences in species composition, colonization patterns, and macrophyte development. Five submerged species were recorded, with Potamogeton pectinatus and Chara vulgaris dominating overall, while Myriophyllum spicatum occurred only in Uzungöl. Low species richness in both systems aligns with patterns typical of eutrophic shallow lakes, where high nutrient levels—particularly phosphorus (annual means > 42 µg L⁻¹) —limit macrophyte diversity.Macrophyte biomass, coverage, and PVI differed significantly between the two lagoons, driven primarily by variations in depth, turbidity, and chlorophyll-a. During the peak summer colonization, the shallower Uzungöl supported substantially higher mean macrophyte biomass (4214 g m⁻²), coverage (73.3%), and PVI (58.1%) compared to Lake Balık (1317 g m⁻², 23.3%, and 9.6%, respectively). High turbidity restricted colonization in deeper zones of Lake Balık whereas clearer, shallower regions, especially in Uzungöl, supported higher macrophyte abundance. Species-specific analyses revealed that salinity and depth further shaped distribution patterns, with C. vulgaris favoring less saline shallows, P. pectinatus thriving in moderately saline clear waters, and Najas graminea showing broad salinity tolerance.NDVI-based remote sensing analysis (validated with field data, r ≥ 0.50, p = 0.01) revealed pronounced interannual changes in Lake Balık, with a steady increase in vegetation cover from 2006 to 2012, followed by a decline, while Uzungöl remained relatively stable. Overall, the findings underscore the combined influence of eutrophication, turbidity, salinity, and depth on submerged macrophyte communities and highlight the importance of these factors in lagoon management and conservation.