Cooperation with the National Institute of Oceanography

Egyptian Environmental Affairs agency signed a protocol with the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries to implement periodic monitoring program for Northern lakes to provide information and data necessary to implement Lakes' Integrated Environmental Management Program.

Eng. Maged George, Minister of State for Environmental Affairs declared that this program aims to establish a database about status of Egyptian lakes and wetlands, as well as compilation of previous studies that were conducted on Northern Lakes "Burullus, Bardawil, Manzala, Edko, Mariout" to determine reasons of change in their environment and relationship with prevailing conditions .The protocol aims to develop a new map for each lake identifying different environmental conditions affecting them.

It was agreed to collect seasonal samples of water and sediments "four times per year" from fixed locations determined according to its area and sources of pollution, carrying a comprehensive survey for the environmental status in each lake to determine its levels of pollution and analyzing its water quality and sediments.

Minister of Environment clarified that an annual documented report with necessary maps and photographs will be prepared including the scientific explanation for the obtained tests results and linking them with sources of pollution; accordingly classifying lakes through the development of indicators for water quality and lakes sediments, development of an integrated proposal for the procedures required to be implemented in case of increasing rates of pollution.