Location and Geography

The Bitter Lakes are a group of lakes located in the Suez Canal region, on the eastern side of Egypt, north of the Gulf of Suez.

Approximate coordinates: 30°20′N, 32°23′E.
Geologically, before the construction of the Suez Canal, this area consisted of low-lying valleys/salt marshes that were not always filled with water. With the construction of the canal and its connection to the sea/lake, the area began to be covered or reached by water.

The approximate area of ​​the two lakes, as you mentioned, is: the larger lake is about 194 km² (~46,190 acres) and the smaller lake is about 40 km² (~9,525 acres); this is consistent across the sources.

Environmental and Water Characteristics
The water in the Bitter Lakes is affected by agricultural runoff from the surrounding lands, some sewage, and also by drainage outlets (drains) into which fresh or treated wastewater flows.

The lakes are also affected by shoreline reclamation and human impacts from tourism activities or nearby construction.

Regarding water quality, at certain times (e.g., August 2016) it was assessed as “good water” as an aquatic environment, in various locations within the Great and Small Bitter Lakes.

The Bitter Lakes are included in the environmental monitoring program carried out by the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, in conjunction with the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, which includes the Bitter Lakes and the Crocodile Lakes among the lakes added to the periodic monitoring program.

Fish Production and Utilization

According to the latest available figures, the total annual fish production of the Bitter Lakes and Lake Timsah is estimated at approximately 5,400 tons.

The Bitter Lakes are considered less diverse compared to lakes in the northern Nile Delta, such as Manzala and Burullus, in terms of aquatic life and the types of species produced.

Opportunities and potential
The Marra Lakes have large areas and water that can be improved with good environmental interventions (cleaning, drainage treatment, prevention of encroachments) which may increase productivity.

The potential for improved fish stock management, preventing overfishing, and enforcing strict fishing and fishing regulations to ensure stock sustainability.

Revitalizing organized fishing activities and providing support to fishermen in terms of boats, storage and refrigeration equipment, and fish sorting and export facilities.

The project involves dredging and cleaning the Bitter Lakes, improving water quality, and widening existing inlets to allow for water renewal and the natural entry and exit of fish fry.

With environmental improvements, fish in market demand—especially marine and semi-marine species—can be produced and marketed locally or exported, provided the necessary infrastructure and permits are in place.