First Report on the Occurrence of Invasive Macrophyte Elodea canadensis Michx. in Sapanca Lake

Objective: Elodea canadensis Michx. is a common invasive aquatic macrophyte that has successfully spread along European, Asian and Australian inland waters. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence and distribution of an alien and invasive species, E. canadensis, in Sapanca Lake (Turkey) for the first time. Materials and Methods: Sampling for macrophytes and main environmental parameters was carried out seasonally between the years 2016 and 2017 along the coasts of Sapanca Lake. Macrophytes samples were taken from bounded areas. Morphological observations were made on both unfixed-living and dried materials, and morphological details were observed under a light microscope. Results: Elodea canadensis Michx. was reported for the first time in Sapanca Lake during the spring period of 2016 with water temperatures of 20.9 ±0.9°C. A total of six submerged macrophytes species were recorded together with E. canadensis. Conclusion: The first record of this species in Sapanca Lake is important for contributing to the changing biodiversity dynamics of the lake and also contributes to the assessment of the possible ecological and economic risks of the region in terms of lake management.