In this study, an integrated approach of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was used to investigate the spatial and temporal characteristics of the Kizilirmak Delta. It is a major wetland complex on the Black Sea coast, which has a very rich biodiversity and critical habitat for globally endangered bird species, and was announced as an RAMSAR protection site in Turkey. Main objectives of this study were: (1) determination of the land use/cover changes, (2) examination of the effects of these changes on environment, and (3) assessment of the human impacts on the environment. 1987 Landsat TM and 2004 Aster images, topographic maps, field survey, and other ancillary data have been used to perform the study objectives. The obtained results delineated that the Kizilirmak Delta has been considerably changed as a result of human activities between 1987 and 2004. Analysis of satellite images and other data sources in the GIS environment introduced the changes in the delta and their impacts on the environment.
Wetlands are of utmost importance in the sense of protecting the natural ecological balance of the environment. It is possible to improve the water quality of wetlands, which are located in coastal areas like river deltas and lakes without disturbing the ecological balance through rehabilitation and by controlling. However, many wetlands in the world have so far been dried and converted to agricultural areas due to insufficient knowledge of their ecological value. Such an understanding was also held as true in Turkey and most of its wetlands have been converted to agricultural land till recent years. An example of such an occurrence and modifications within years are observed in the delta of the Kizilirmak River, which is the longest river of Turkey ending in the Black Sea. The past and present situation of the Kizilirmak delta will be investigated in this paper together with the changes in water quality. An evaluation of the water quality of the river and of lakes within the delta is done based on available previous data and on the final findings of water quality measurements conducted within the framework of this study.
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