The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Expression of opinion on Greek Ramsar wetlands and possible removal from the Montreux Record, 1999 (Annexes)

ANNEX IV – 2

COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE FOR ARTIFICIAL LAKE KERKINI

MONTREUX RECORD

I 1 Name of site: Artificial Lake Kerkini

1a| 2a 2b 2c 2d| 3a 3b 3c| 4a 4b

All these criteria are still valid. There has been expressed a view that the criterion 1d is also valid.

1. Decrease in the reedbed surface area
2. Fluctuation in the area occupied by the numphaeids
3. Decrease in the surface area covered by the riparian forest
4. Change in the composition of the fish fauna
5. Changes in the populations and composition of the avifauna

(reference is made to the corresponding numbering of question I 3)

Artificial Lake Kerkini was created in 1932, in an area with pre-existing wetland systems, primarily for flood control. Subsequently, the irrigation value also developed. The technical works carried out in order to ensure the aforementioned objectives affected the wetland. Although no large or medium scale technical project has been carried out since 1990, the changes in the ecological character continue to be due mainly to projects implemented during the previous decades, inferring changes in water management. At the same time, information and awareness activities addressing the services responsible for the management of the area, brought about a positive result, in the sense that the protection of the biological value of Lake Kerkini started to be considered jointly with the protection of the other values.

a) The presence of reedbeds in Lake Kerkini constitutes a positive element. Reedbeds are necessary to a certain extent for the reproduction of certain species of avifauna. Until 1983, there were extensive areas of reedbeds in the lake. The new hydrological situation resulted in the flooding of these areas and the reedbeds practically disappeared from the main part of the lake. Today, there is a narrow strip along the northern shoreline and small patches in the southwestern part of the lake. There has been no other change since 1990.

b) Under the old hydrological regime and in the northwestern part of the lake, there were some nymphaeids (Nymphaea alba) among the reedbeds. The nymphaeids were favoured by the new conditions and started to spread, reaching about 300 hectares in 1990. After 1991, the area covered by nymphaeids started to decrease and dropped to 48 hectares in 1996 (even less in 1998). This reduction is due mainly to the rise, by half a meter, of the lake’s maximum water level in 1991 (from around 35.50 m to about 36.00 m). Similar to that was the fate of other aquatic macrophytes such as Polygonum amphibium that covered large areas in the centre of the lake.

c) The riparian forest occupies the northern-central part of the lake and now consists mainly of species of wild willow. Each year it is flooded by water and this results in its continuous shrinkage since 1983, as there is no natural regeneration to replace trees that die out due to protracted inundation. Illegal felling (for firewood) by the inhabitants of nearby communities has been another reason for the shrinkage of the forest. During the last years, this activity has greatly diminished, particularly due to public awareness and better wardening by the Forestry Service. Furthermore, there is pressure from grazing animals due to the decrease in grazing areas, especially during spring (due to flooding). This pressure may be confronted by specific wardening measures. At the same time, the presence of water buffaloes must be stressed. The largest population in Greece of this rare (for Greece) farm animal is found here. The population continues to be significant (more than 500 animals) although no economic assistance has been provided for its preservation. The presence of the buffalo contributes to the non-intensification of other animal farming, the increase in the recreational and other values.

d) The operation of the new dam and the parallel works (diversion and embankment of the river bed) brought about changes in the composition of the fish fauna. The eel disappeared from the lake a few years after the operation of the new dam because it could no longer pass the new higher dam. The disappearance of predatory fish (Pike, European Catfish, Perch) that occurred partly due to overfishing, river diversion (spawning grounds were lost) and the exclusion of the eel from the lake (which means that there were no other predators for the fish apart from the fish-eating birds), favoured the species of low market value such as Sardine, European Goldfish, Sunfish and Roach. These species were also favoured by the spread of nymphaeids at the northwestern end of the lake and of the other aquatic macrophytes in the old riverbed. Those areas were spawning sites and sanctuaries for fry. These changes favoured the increase in the number of the fish-eating birds (see also below).

During the recent years, a reduction in the Carp population, the most important commercial species, is observed. Data provided by the Department of Fisheries of the Prefecture of Serres, show that in general the lake does not suffer overfishing. Nevertheless, some incidents of illegal fishing have been observed. In the recent years, the stabilisation of the lake’s water level and the improvement of hydrobiological conditions have resulted in the disappearance of the causes that led to the loss of the aforementioned species. However, wiser fisheries management is required. Moreover, it should be pointed out that since 1990 the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and especially the Department of Fisheries of the Prefecture of Serres have made numerous efforts to inform fishermen and increase their environmental awareness. These efforts have had positive results on the management practices used in the lake.

e) One may distinguish five groups of breeding birds according to their response to the hydrological changes in the area.

The first group includes species that did not nest before 1982 and started to nest during the 1982-1991 period. Such species are: Phalacrocorax carbo, Larus ridibundus, Larus cachinans, Egretta alba. The second group includes species that nested prior to 1982 and whose numbers have increased during the 1982-1991 period. Such species are: Egretta garzetta, Nycticorax nycticorax, Ardea cinerea, Phalacrocorax pygmaeus, Podiceps cristatus, Tachybaptus ruficollis, Chlidonias niger and Chlidonias hybrida (on the nymphaeids). The third group includes species that nested prior to 1982 and whose numbers have decreased during the 1982-1991 period. Such species are: Ardeolla ralloides, Plegadis falcinellus, Ardea purpurea, Anser anser. The fourth group includes species that cannot be placed in any of the above groups because there was no clear trend, either increasing or decreasing. Such species are: Platalea leucorodia, Sterna hirundo, Ixobrychus minutus. Finally, the fifth group includes species that stopped nesting in the area immediately after the change in the hydrological regime. Such species are: Locustella luscinioides, Circus aeruginosus (they nested in the reedbeds), Glareola pratincola, Himantopus himantopus (they nested in the wet meadows). One problem that persists is the inundation, during spring of certain nests of species nesting in the trees of the riparian forest.

It can be concluded that the new hydrological regime favoured fish-eating species of birds and especially divers (Cormorants, greebes) that prefer deep waters and were directly favoured by the increase in the biomass of certain species of fish. The extinction of species that nest in wet meadows and reedbeds complements the response of nesting species to the changes that took place in Kerkini. The period from 1982 to 1988 was sufficiently long for most species to adapt to the new situation and to stabilise their populations at new levels. From 1988 until 1991, the populations of breeding species became stable.

After 1991, the populations of nesting species increased and reached new levels. They became stable during the past years (1995-1998) with the exception of two species of terns that nest among the nymphaeids whose populations (since 1995) follow the reduction in the nuphar area.

The bird colonies of Lake Kerkini are among the most important in Europe because they host 10 different species of birds that nest together in great numbers. Some of these species are rare (Pygmy Cormorant, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Night Heron, etc). The future of these colonies depends exclusively on the existence of suitable nesting sites in the riparian forest.

Continuous population and species richness monitoring shows that the numbers of breeding fish-eating bird species have increased. The populations of species that nest on islets and in reedbeds have decreased. The species that nest in the trees of the shoreline zone (herons, Spoonbills, Pygmy Cormorants etc.) have had stable populations during the past years. The populations of wintering waterfowl have also remained stable. The main exceptions to this fact, are the decrease in the species of dabbling ducks (Anas sp.) and the increase in pochards (Aythya sp.). Furthermore, during the past years, new species for the area have been observed, especially during migration and in the wintering period. Examples are the White-headed Duck, Saker Falcon, Bewick's Swan, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Goosander, Greater Flamingo etc. We repeat that these changes are due to a rise in the water level during the past decades and that no important problems due to human activities nave been noted.

See Sheet submitted by the Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works on 1.6.1998

See Sheet submitted by the Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works on 1.6.1998

We repeat that Lake Kerkini was created initially for flood control reasons and subsequently for the storage of irrigation water. Here is a brief evaluation of its values:

Drinking water supply: Possibility has not been studied.

Irrigation: Very high. Large areas are irrigated using the water stored in the lake (about 60000 ha are irrigated directly or indirectly from the lake and river Strymon).

Fishing: Medium in general and very important for the local economy. Fish catches during the 1987-1991 five-year period reached 140-400 tons whereas during the 1992-1996 five-year period they were limited to 60-150 tons. It is believed that the total fish biomass produced exceeds 1000-1500 tons per year. Rational fisheries management, according to current fisheries legislation could increase production to over 500 tons yearly, without biological disturbance (Tatarakis 1995).

Animal farming: The area provides grazing grounds for cattle, goats and sheep. Its value as a grazing area is high or medium in different locations. It is particularly high for the preservation of the water buffalo population. Some animals were selected from this population for reintroduction in the Prespa area, with the willing help of the farmer.

Hunting: Hunting is prohibited in the wetland area. The greater area however, has a high hunting value especially in the northern part and the surrounding highland areas.

Wood and fibre production: Felling is prohibited in the riparian forest. Medium value in the neighbouring forests, where felling is controlled by 5-year and 10-year management plans. Furthermore, there are poplar plantations in the area that produce a high yield due to the improved species grown. The reduction of funds provided by the EE might limit further development of poplar plantations.

Sand extraction: Difficult to evaluate. There are possibilities and specific proposals for sand extraction. Medium to high value in river Strymon, before its entry into the lake, where there is an installation for the commercial exploitation of sand.

Scientific: Many research projects and studies have been carried out (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greek Biotope/ Wetland Centre, etc.) in the past and some are still under way (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Tour du Valat, WWF, Hell. Orn. Soc. etc). Furthermore, many researchers visit the area every year in order to collect specific data, or because they consider Kerkini as a characteristic example of a wetland whose study will contribute to the promotion of research in other wetland areas of the world (Very close to criteria 1d for representative wetlands).

Educational: High and is increasing every year (as proved by the increase in the number of people visiting the wetland, the establishment and the operation of the Information Centre and environmental education programmes carried out by schools). At the same time, the Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works and the Greek Biotope/ Wetland Centre (EKBY) produced an educational package for Lake Kerkini in the framework of the MedWet initiative (50 packages were distributed free of charge to all the schools in the area and are lent to schools throughout the country).

Cultural: Medium to low (artificial lake). There are few monuments and historical references.

Recreational: Medium for the time being. The presence of visitors especially in spring and summer shows that recreational value is increasing every year. There are prospects for leisure activities throughout the year. Apart from the Information Centre, two other groups deal with eco-tourism in the area (the Community Agro-/eco-tourism Enterprise of Vironia- Serres and Ecoperiigitis). For the moment, they cause no problems to avifauna and other wetland features.

Flood control: Very high. The waters of river Strymon are retained and the Serres plain is protected from flooding.

Improvement of water quality: High (A. Gerakis & Kalburtji 1998)

Topoclimatic: High. Extreme phenomena are attenuated, especially in spring and summer.

Biological: High. Large number of species and populations of avifauna (more than 300 species), about 30 species of fish, important types of habitat etc. (see bibliography).

In comparison with the previous decade, we believe that during the 1990-1998 period:

Except for the fishing value that has decreased, the other values tend to become stable or to increase. The application of fisheries management plans can increase fishing value. Current fisheries legislation is particularly satisfactory for the prevention of illegal fishing and any incidents of over-fishing (rather rare).

Sustainable management of Lake Kerkini’s waters is the only way to safeguard all wetland values.

I International project for the protection of the White Pelican and the Dalmatian Pelican in Europe. Tour du Valat, France (1983-to date)

II Project for the study of the effect of the water regime on the biotopes and avifauna. Tour du Valat, France (1990- to date)

III Mobility of fish in the river Strymon and reproduction ecology of species. Tour du Valat, France (1996-1999)

IV Monitoring of bird populations breeding in the riparian forest. Tour du Valat, France (1990- to date)

V Project for the protection of the Pygmy Cormorant and the Lesser White-fronted Goose in Greece. Funded by DGXI – LIFE and the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Hellenic Ornithological Society. Project duration: 1997 – 1999.

VI Monitoring of water quality in river Strymon by the Department of Sanitation Hygiene of the Prefecture of Serres (monthly sampling).

1. A similar project is planned for Lake Kerkini
2. There is an automatic system for monitoring the flow of Strymon and certain physical and chemical parameters. It is installed at a point directly after the entry of the river into Greece. The Water Section/ Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works manages the system.

The Information Centre (starting in January 1999) is planning the following projects.

1. Monitoring of populations of aquatic birds throughout the year
2. Monitoring of stork populations nesting in the wider area
3. Research on the situation of the Otter population in the area.

Regarding the first four projects certain articles have been published in scientific journals and presentations have been made at scientific conferences (Serres, Thessaloniki, Malta).

Currently, information meetings are being organised about the Pygmy Cormorant and the Lesser White-fronted Goose protection project, in the areas of implementation.

For the other projects, data is used and evaluated by the competent services with which co-operation is satisfactory.

1. Specially Protected Area in accordance with community directive 79/409/EEC.
2. The area has been qualified as an Important Bird Area for Greece.
3. Covered by the Berne Convention on the Protection of Wild Life and the Biotopes of Europe.
4. Covered by the Bonn Convention on the Protection of Migratory species.
5. The area has been proposed for inclusion in the NATURA 2000 network.
6. Part of the area has been qualified as a game reserve in which hunting is prohibited. The boundaries of the area were set in co-operation with the forestry service of Sidirokastro, the two hunting clubs in the area and the local scientist of the Information Centre.
7. Lake Kerkini constituted a test-site within the framework of the MedWet initiative. New approaches were tried and applied by the Ministry for the Environment and EKBY, in the fields of mapping, inventorying, planning of training projects, information and awareness for the local population. Implementation led to the production of scientific papers, communications, and informative publications. These were distributed to the inhabitants and all competent bodies. Generally, these activities created an atmosphere of confidence and co-operation among bodies that are involved in the management of the wetland.
8. Many articles in the national and local Press and the broadcasting of documentary films about Lake Kerkini contributed to making the public aware of the numerous functions and values of the wetland.
9. Within the framework of the project concerning the impact of the water regime on the habitats and avifauna (Tour du Valat), experiment areas were used for studying the regeneration possibilities for the natural vegetation of the riparian forest (1996-1997). Within the framework of the project for the protection of the Pygmy Cormorant and the Lesser White-fronted Goose in Greece, the same experiment was carried out in a larger area, but the same results were obtained (1998). The project will continue during the new period. In both the above cases, the results were very encouraging as to the possibility to rehabilitate parts of the riparian forest through planting. However, it is not possible to draw definite conclusions because of the destruction of fences.
10. The second stage of the Specific Environmental Study (SES) has been submitted to the Ministry for the Environment (since August 1998). This part of the study contains the final proposal for the boundaries of the different zones, the draft Presidential Decree and the proposal for setting up the site Management Body.
11. The Ministry for the Environment has built the Information Centre, observation towers and guardhouses (observation towers and guardhouses need repair). A study for their restoration is being carried out at the moment).
12. On 6/5/97, a Programme Agreement for the Protection and Promotion of the Kerkini wetland area was signed. Signatories were: Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Prefecture of Florina, local communities and the Serres Development Agency S.A. that has undertaken the implementation of the Agreement. In November 1997, the Information Centre was inaugurated. Its main objective is to protect the site from illegal activities and to inform the public and interested bodies about the area.
13. At the end of November 1998, calls for projects foreseen by the Programme Agreement were published (in accordance with the proposals of the Specific Environmental Study).
14. The project for the protection of races of farm animals threatened with extinction has begun, in accordance with regulation 2078/92/EEC (in the Lake Kerkini wetland area, it concerns the preservation of water buffalo).
15. In mid December, an additional contract was signed (six-monthly duration) between the Ministry for the Environment and the agency that has undertaken the implementation of the Specific Environmental Study. The object of the study is to find a solution to the problem of degradation of the riparian forest and the effects that this will have on avifauna.

1. The proposals included in the Specific Environmental Study (SES) are very positive and particularly helpful towards changing the attitude of reluctance that had been created in the area because of excessive (in certain cases) prohibitions enforced by the Joint Ministerial Decision.
2. The prohibitive clause concerning hunting is implemented in general terms. However, there are problems of wardening due to the lack of forestry personnel. This situation is expected to improve with the help of two eco-guides who are foreseen for the area on a permanent basis by virtue of the Programme Agreement, being responsible also for the surveillance of activities. One of the eco-guides has already been employed and the second one is about to be employed.
3. The same holds for fishing (difficulties in wardening). There is room for improvement and the Fisheries Department of the Prefecture of Serres is working in this direction).
4. The operation of the Information Centre has already contributed significantly to informing and making aware the public and interested bodies in the area. Co-operation with public services (forestry and environment service of the Prefecture, Division of Supervision and Construction of Works (DEKE), fisheries department, etc.) and the two groups that deal with eco-tourism projects in the area (Community Eco-agro-tourism Enterprise of Vironia/ Serres and Ecoperiigitis). Three issues of the Information Centre’s quarterly bulletin have already been published, as well as a poster and a three-fold brochure as supplement to the publications and the poster printed by the Ministry for the Environment, and the brochures printed by the Ministry for the Environment and EKBY (MedWet publications). These were submitted to the Information Centre. The printing of other publications and posters is planned in the near future.
5. The lack of instituted specific regulations for the protection of the area and certain activities is tackled by the services through current legislation without any particular problems. The publication of the Presidential Decree in the Government Gazette will definitely help to protect the area given that the majority of the inhabitants have accepted the need to protect the wetland.
6. Co-operation with Bulgaria has begun for the sustainable management of Lake Kerkini and the hydrological basin of river Strymon. A joint conference has already taken place and a joint Greek-Bulgarian committee has been set up. It should also be stressed that in the part of the hydrological basin of river Strymon that is in Bulgaria, successful works for the conservation of mountain waterways have been carried out. During the current decade, the volume of sediments transported by river Strymon to the lake has dropped to less than 900.000 cubic metres per year, whereas in the previous decades it exceeded 6.000.000 cubic metres per year.

Water quality monitoring projects are being carried out by the competent services.

The Information Centre will operate as the main source of information on the wetland area for civil services.

Despite the changes that have taken place in the area following the construction of the new dam in 1982, the ecological, scientific and biological value of the area is very high. During the current decade, in particular, no important negative changes have been observed.

The flood control value of the wetland remains very high. Its irrigation value is also high. The reduction in the water storage capacity of the lake due to material carried by river Strymon affects these values. The important reduction in the volume of sediments depositing into the lake, due to the works for conservation of mountain waterways, has not reduced the problem, for which no final decisions have been taken yet. The rate of siltation of the lake has thus fallen, enabling better water management. Further confrontation of the problem of transported sediments will ensure more efficient protection measures. However, some proposals related to this problem, might have adverse consequences if they are not applied carefully.

The recreational value of the wetland is increasing each year. More and more people from Greece and abroad – especially schools - visit the area (a negative point is that the exhibits foreseen for the Information Centre has not been delivered yet and delivery will be delayed probably for a few more months). Full operation of the Information Centre and the employment of specialised personnel is expected to assist in better protection and promotion of Lake Kerkini. This tendency will be reinforced by the completion of the Programme Agreement projects (creation of a forest/ botanical garden and a small Museum of Natural History, nature trails, recreation areas) and by certain projects under implementation (or that have been implemented). These projects are financed through LEADER II, and are being implemented by the Serres Development Enterprise S.A. (the body responsible for the implementation of the Programme Agreement).

The setting up of a preliminary management scheme for the area is expected to contribute to the protection of the wetland and the greater area (during the 6^th session of Development Agencies participating in the Operational Programme: "Environment", which took place in Thessaloniki, on 22 November 1998, the Secretary General of the Ministry for the Environment Mr. H. Beriatos informed participants about the management schemes and the programme's timetable. It is hoped that the bill concerning the legal framework that will promote issues of management co-ordination will be submitted to Parliament by the end of 1999).

1. The most important value of Lake Kerkini is flood control. This value should be preserved and should be placed on top of all other values because it concerns not only property and economic activities but mainly human lives. Of course, a smaller natural wetland existed before the creation of the reservoir – with little flood control value – but with other important values. However, this issue is beyond the scope of the present report.
2. The prominence of the flood control value of the wetland is not negotiable. That does not mean, however, that science and technology today has no choice of management methods to maintain the flood control value and at the same time to prevent degradation of other values, as far as this is possible in a rapidly changing system.
3. Independently of any management scheme, the competent services of the Prefecture of Serres and the Central Macedonia Region are responsible for conservation actions and the management of the wetland. Co-operation with the Information Centre and the Greek Biotope/ Wetland Centre is satisfactory. The joint effort for integrated management of Lake Kerkini, with special emphasis on water management, may ensure the protection of the wetland’s character and the preservation of all existing values, up to the level allowed by the physical factors. The current legal framework is satisfactory. The improvements that have been planned are critical and the simultaneous application of conservation measures because of the Lake’s inclusion in other international conventions, will reinforce the protection status of the wetland.
4. During the 1990-1998 period, no drastic changes have occurred. Moreover, the criteria for qualifying Lake Kerkini as a wetland of international importance have not altered. The fact that Lake Kerkini was listed in the Montreux record was unknown to the inhabitants and the competent government services. Therefore, all positive protection measures planned and applied during this period were not driven by the intention to remove the wetland from the record. On the contrary, they emerge from the faith in the concept of conservation. Most inhabitants and involved bodies are convinced about the need to safeguard the wealth of Kerkini wetland. The same is true for the State and Local Authorities who have expressed practically their political will for protection. Certain adverse interventions in the natural environment and the landscape of the greater area were observed during this period but the general attitude of the population and the services, as regards the protection of the wetland, is positive. Allowed activities are in accordance with the degree of protection in each zone (very strict in the Absolute Protection zone where only scientific research related to the conservation of the area is permitted and relatively few prohibitions and regulations in Eco-development zone B’). International experience has shown that the protection of wetlands depends directly (if not solely) on the attitude of the area’s inhabitants. Integrated and successfully implemented programmes and projects aimed at increasing awareness among inhabitants, users and relevant services, have produced positive results. The creation and operation of the Information Centre for the past two years has also contributed to this and it is expected that it will help even more in the future.
5. The Prefecture and Local Authorities (local Municipalities and the Community of Promahonas) have shown sincere interest in the protection of the lake. Any unfortunate actions were carried out due to ignorance but they have not caused any irreversible change and there are signs of and room for improvement.
6. The most important and most promising, in our view, positive development observed today is the gradual change in attitude of the local population. This attitude is becoming more favourable towards protection measures for natural ecosystems and the sustainable development of the wetland. In recent years, the development of ecotourism has assisted protection because the inhabitants have realised the need to preserve nature, which is the item that attracts a large number of visitors. Even private businesses involved in eco-touristic activities are very well informed about the importance of Kerkini and, for the time being, have not caused any problems.
7. One cannot say that no mistakes were committed in the management of the wetland and its hydrological basin. A most representative example is the delay in confronting the problems of the riparian forest and the search for ways of saving water in areas irrigated by the lake's water. Furthermore, we are not sure whether there is sufficient scientific evidence to prove the comparative importance of the causes that lead to positive or negative changes in the functions and values of the lake. Moreover, we cannot but share the concern of experts as to whether optimal solutions for the preservation of the flood control value of the lake will be chosen and applied.

We believe that the clear progress that has been achieved during the current decade is much greater than the delays and the problems and we propose, without reservation, that Lake Kerkini is removed from the Montreux Record. If this proposal is accepted, the committee is of the view that the decision at home should be worded very carefully. On the one hand, it should explain the progress that has been achieved. On the other hand, the problems and chances for rehabilitation of wetland functions and values should be set forth in their correct dimension.

(The following sources are interesting but we do not believe that they are necessarily the most important. Some are not mentioned in the report despite the fact that they were taken into account).

Anagnostopoulou Maria, G. Zalidis, E.T. Koutrakis, A. Mantzavelas, K. Skordas, Dimitra Spala, Eleni Tryfon, and Eleni Fitoka. 1996. Testing the MedWet approach at Lake Kerkini, Greece. Final Activity Report. MedWet. Greek Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works, Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre. Thermi, Greece. 21 p.

Anagnostopoulou, Maria and K. Skordas. 1995. MedWet training sub-project: Application on test site Kerkini, Greece, description of action and applicability of MedWet method for training. EKBY. Thermi, Greece 14 p.

Athanasiou, Chrisoula. 1990. Population, employment and social infrastructure in the Lake Kerkini area. pp 333-346 in P.A. Gerakis (editor). Conservation and Management of Greek Wetlands. Proceedings of a Workshop. Thessaloniki 17-21 April 1989. WWF, Lab. of Ecology - School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, IUCN

Babalonas, D & Eva Papastergiadou. 1989. The water-fern Salvinia natans (L.)All. in the Kerkini Lake. Arch. Hydrobiol.116(4):487-498

Babatzimopoulos, ×. and Â. Andonopoulos. 1989. Hydrological data of Lake Kerkini. pp 259-303 in P.Á. Gerakis (editor). Conservation and Management of Greek Wetlands. Proceedings of a Workshop. Thessaloniki 17-21 April 1989. WWF, Lab. of Ecology - School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, IUCN

Bartzoudis, G. 1993. Improvement of the functioning of Lake Kerkini as an irrigation water reservoir so that it can serve other functions. Greek Biotope/ Wetland Centre (ÅÊÂÕ). Thermi. 72 pp. (In Greek)

Crivelli, A. J., P Grillas, B Lacaze. 1995. Responses of vegetation to a rise in water level at Kerkini reservoir (1982-1991), a Ramsar Site in Northern Greece, Environmental Management,19: 417-430

Crivelli, A.J., H. Jerrentrup, T. Nazirides and P. Grillas. 1995Effects on fisheries and waterbirds of raising the water levels at the Kerkini reservoir, a Ramsar Site in Northern Greece. Environmental Management. 19: 431-443

Dafis, S. 1995. Biodiversity, its importance and the role of the "NATURA 2000" network for its protection. Conference proceedings "NATURA 2000" WWF, Athens, October 1995. (In Greek)

Georgoudis, Á. 1993. Investigation of the population and production systems of the Buffalo in Greek wetlands. Greek Biotope/ Wetland Centre and Animal Production Sector, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. 64 pp. (In Greek)

Gerakis, A. and K. Kalburtji. 1998. Agricultural activities affecting the functions and values of Ramsar wetland sites. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment 70:119-128.

Gerakis, P.Á. 1990. Observations on the plant and animal production around Lake Kerkini. pp 347-371 in P.Á. Gerakis (editor). Conservation and Management of Greek Wetlands. Proceedings of a Workshop. Thessaloniki 17-21 April 1989. WWF, Lab. of Ecology - School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, IUCN

Gerakis, P.Á. and Å. Koutrakis. (editors). 1996. The Greek wetlands. Goulandris Natural History Museum – Greek Biotope/ Wetland Centre. Commercial Bank of Greece. Athens. 382 pp.

Jerrentrup, H. 1990. The fauna of Lake Kerkini. pp. 317-328 in P.Á. Gerakis (editor). Conservation and Management of Greek Wetlands. Proceedings of a Workshop. Thessaloniki 17-21 April 1989. WWF, Lab. of Ecology - School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, IUCN

Kilikides, S. Á. Kamarianos, G. Fotis, X. Karamanlis, Th. Kousouris. 1987. Ecological Study of Lake Kerkini (Prefecture of Serres) in view of improving fish production. Dept of Veterinary, University of Thessaloniki. (In Greek)

Kilikides, S., Á. Kamarianos, and X.. Karamanlis. 1987. Investigation concerning the pollution of River Strymon by chlorinated hydrocarbons and fertilisers. Veterinary School, University of Thessaloniki. (In Greek)

Klossas, Á. 1975. Contribution to the hydrobiological study of artificial Lake Kerkini. Ministry of Agriculture. (In Greek)

Ministry for the Environment-Physical Planning-Public Works (Environmental Planning Division, Natural Environment Management Section). 1997. Programme for tackling specific environmental problems and system for operating and managing the protected area of Lake Kerkini and its greater area. (In Greek)

Ministry for the Environment-Physical Planning-Public Works. 1986. Programme for the delineation of Ramsar wetlands – Lake Kerkini. (In Greek)

Nazirides Th. 1995. Lake Kerkini. Its biotic wealth. pp. 33-36 in Ê. Skordas and Maria Anagnostopoulou (editors). Sustainable management of the waters of Lake Kerkini. Proceedings of a Training Workshop, Serres, 25-29 September 1995. Greek Biotope/ Wetland Centre (ÅÊÂÕ), Ministry of Environment and Ministry for Macedonia-Thrace. MedWet publication. (In Greek)

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For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 16 November 2001, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.