Using Dam Lakes in Alternative Economic Activities: Case of Borcka Dam Lake

In today's world where environmental and economic effects of dam construction and lakes are debated, it's not a rational approach to benefit from dams for only electricity production. In this context, it will be convenient to plan various alternative economical activities in dam lakes such as fishing and touristic activities. In the study, Borcka Dam Lake was handled with this point of view; possible investments around Dam Lake were mentioned with aim of maximizing economical benefit. For this purpose, initially related literature was scanned in order to obtain documentary data. In addition, field observation tours were performed in certain periods starting from 2013. In those tours, company owners related with Dam Lake were interviewed and first-hand information was obtained. In Borcka Dam Lake, starting from 2010, culture or cage fishery activity is conducted. This situation is an important development in terms of benefiting from Dam Lake but attention should be paid for the desired production level to be reached by removing the sector related problems and for development of touristic and recreational use. In this context, performance of water sports such as kayak, rowing, water bicycle and sailing, arrangement of boat or raft trips, creation of observation and recreational areas (picnic area, walking track, etc.) can be considered.