Modeling of trophic status of the Ataköy Dam Lake

The trophic status of Ataköy Dam Lake is expected to be oligotrophic based on the water temperature and secchi disk depth values; however, due to the lake's primary water source being Almus Dam Lake, the trophic status has aligned with the characteristics of this lake. The Trophic State Index (TSI) ranged between 28 and 50, with an average value of 41, classifying the lake's trophic status between high oligotrophic and low mesotrophic. While the water quality of Ataköy Dam Lake is highly suitable for trout farming, the water temperature, which ranges from 4-12°C, along with the relatively small surface area, makes market-size production economically unfeasible. However, establishing a trout hatchery and performing early-stage growth to sell fingerlings to the nearby operations at Almus Dam Lake would be an economically viable practice and would not pose any ecological issues.