Water Ecological Inventory Sulzkarsee (Gesäuse National Park)

In order to obtain a first in-depth insight into the aquatic ecological status and nature conservation value of the still waters visibly affected by grazing livestock and fishing use, the Gesäuse National Park Administration under the project management of Mag. Daniel Kreiner commissioned this study in 2003. It is part of the interdisciplinary project Pilot Study Sulzkaralm, in which a further hydrobiological survey on the Sulzkaralm is associated with the processing of significant spring waters (Weigand & Graf, 2005). A first hydrogeological study of the surroundings of Lake Sulzkar and measurement of the morphology of the subsoil was recently carried out as part of another subproject (Pavuza & Stummer, 2003). Limnological/hydrobiological data have not yet been collected in Lake Sulzkarsee. This report is a limnological focus of the water of 3 October 2003 and summarises the first hydrochemical, plancological, macrozoobenthological and fishing results. In addition to a first limnological characterization of the lake, the collected basic data will also be used to estimate the extent of anthropogenic influence from a hydrobiological point of view. Management proposals for the long-term restoration of the natural state of water should, if possible, already be roughly identified. The current situation of Lake Sulzkar, with fishing and unprotected access of grazing livestock, does not meet the IUCN requirements of National Park Category II. The lake is completely located in the core zone, which clearly defines the goal of natural development unaffected by man.