Geographical Location and Historical Formation
Lake Qarun is a natural reservoir of significant environmental, historical, and economic importance.

Lake Qarun is located in the northwestern part of the Wadi El Rayan depression in the Fayoum Governorate, within the Fayoum Oasis region.

It is one of the largest natural inland lakes in Egypt.

Its current area is estimated at approximately 138 km² (after historical reductions).

It is indirectly connected to the Nile River via the Wadi Drain, and its primary source of water is agricultural drainage. Lake Qarun is located in the northwestern part of the Wadi El Rayan Depression in the Fayoum Governorate, within the Fayoum Oasis region.

It is believed to be the remnant of a larger, ancient lake known as Lake Moeris, which was managed by the pharaohs as a water system for irrigation and flooding.

The lake's surface lies approximately 43 to 45 meters below sea level (low relative to sea level) in most parts.

The lake's area is estimated at approximately 55,000 acres.

Environmental Characteristics
Depth: The lake's depth ranges from approximately 5 to 12 meters.

Water Level: Approximately 45 meters below sea level in most parts.

Salinity: Relatively high salinity, ranging from 32 to 35 grams of salt per liter of water.

The Qarun Fishermen's Cooperative is located there.

The nature of the water in the pond:
Its water was originally fresh, but it has become brackish to saline due to the accumulation of salts from agricultural runoff.

The water's salinity increases gradually from east to west.

It is characterized by its biodiversity, but it has been greatly affected by pollution and increased salinity.

Hydrological and Hydraulic Characteristics
Lake depth: For example, the maximum depth is reported to be “only above 8 m” in some areas.
High salinity: The lake's water inflow is primarily from agricultural and domestic drainage, and significant evaporation leads to salt concentration. For example, the salinity level has been reported to have increased from approximately 11‰ g/L in the early 20th century to approximately 34–39‰ later.

Water source: It was mentioned that the lake is primarily fed by the Al-Battas and Al-Wadi drains, in addition to 12 smaller drains.

Being a nearly "closed" lake (with no effective natural outlet) increases sedimentation and salinity.

Types of farmed fish found in the pond

Due to the salty nature of the water, the pond contains types of fish that tolerate salinity:

Mullet is a major species and is salt-tolerant.

Tilapia is less abundant due to high salinity; red tilapia is sometimes found.

Sea bass is a marine species being farmed.Sea bream is farmed in cages or ponds.Shrimp farming is currently underway.