Degree of Master of

The AALS current ecological situation

According to the experts, the current ecological condition of the Aydar-Arnasay lakes system is highly disturbed (Khamidov 2004). Due to extremely high mineralization in certain parts of the lakes, the water is suitable neither for irrigation purposes nor drinking and cooking. According to the calculations (Nurbaev and Gorelkin 2004), reduction of the water releases from the Chardara by up to 1,5-2 km³ will give rise to the gradual shrinking of the lakes system. In case of water closure from the Chardara, over the first three years the AALS water level will fall by 0,4-0,6 m a year. Then, it will lead to the growth of mineralization (up to 15-20 g/l) and ceasing of the spawning season.
Taking into account this situation, the Uzbek Government has recently decided to place under control these lakes proposing to conduct a set of scientific researches of this vulnerable system as well as to implement some protective works in the AALS area (Kulmatov pers.comm.).
In order to maintain fish reproduction in the Aydar-Arnasay lakes, there is a need to control the water quality and take active measures to make these lakes flow-through ones. A program, aimed to initiate a flow regime, includes construction of a dam near the Baumurat village and dam-protective works near the Arnasay lake (Kulmatov pers.comm.). In order to make these lakes flow-through, it has been decided to erect outlet works in the western part of the Aydarkul lake which could carry 3,0 km³ water away. Discharged water would probably have a low mineralization (2,0-3,5 g/l) and could be used for irrigation and flooding of pastures (Mahmudova 2004a).
Summarizing, for maintenance and conservation of the stable condition of the Aydar- Arnasay lakes the following aspects should be considered:

• 
  
  CEU eTD Collection
  To define the condition of water and ichthyologic resources as well as supply of fish resources;
  
• 
  To monitor the current hydrological, hydrochemical and hydrobiological features of these lakes in order to assess their influence of fish resources;
  
• 
  To monitor the current ecological condition of vegetation cover, in particular, to evaluate condition of the wetlands of international importance included in Ramsar list;
  
• 
  To control the water releases from the Chardara reservoir ((FAO) 2004).
  

2.