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Interpretations: Eight issues on the Three Gorges Project (3)

(People's Daily Online)    09:42, December 19, 2013
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Issue 5: Water shortages in Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake

The reservoir does have an impact on the irrigation and ecological water supply

Statement: In recent years, severe droughts have occurred in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, including Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake. Some argue that this is related to the Three Gorges reservoir.

Investigation: Dongting Lake plays an important role in regulating the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The operation of the Three Gorges reservoir has reduced the amount of silt flowing into the lake, thus alleviating its problems of sediment.

The situation in Poyang Lake is slightly different from that of Dongting Lake. During the water storage period every year, the water volume discharged from the Three Gorges reservoir is less than that of the natural flow. The water flow is reduced in the lower reaches, leading to a drop in the water level of Poyang Lake.

Expert's view: The assessment by the Chinese Academy of Engineering contains detailed analysis: the Three Gorges reservoir only affects the water levels of Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake during its water storage period. The two lakes will enter early dry seasons, and there will be a certain impact on the irrigation water supply and eco-environmental water demand.


Issue 6: Are the rare species still there?

The decrease and change of population of endemic fish species

Statement: The impact of the Three Gorges Project on biodiversity has long been a hot topic of social concern.

Investigation: Before the approval of the Three Gorges Project, researchers conducted a comprehensive field investigation. The authorities have adopted a variety of methods to preserve and protect the rare species.

Expert's view: An assessment by the Chinese Academy of Engineering shows that endemic fish resources in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River have changed substantially. There have been decreases in the variety of species, changes in spatial distribution patterns, and changes in populations. However, different fish have different capacities to adapt to environmental change.

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(Editor:DuMingming、Gao Yinan)

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