Lake shore deterioration, reed management and bank restoration in some Central European lakes

The causes of lakeshore deterioration and reed decline are concisely summarised, and demonstrated with examples of seven Central European lakes (Germany: Havel lakes, Lake Constance-Untersee, Lake Constance-Obersee; Switzerland: Lake Zürich, Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Geneva). The main causes are assumed to be bank erosion, lake eutrophication, mechanical damage to the reeds, and recreational activities. Countermeasures can be grouped into: reed protection against mechanical load (fences), wave dissipative constructions (refilling of substrate, brushwood fascine), nutrient export from the reeds (winter mowing), and supplementary measures (reed plantations, prohibition of access for the public). Favourable issues and undesired results are discussed. It is stated that there is a need for fundamental research and scientific surveillance of the restoration measures to avoid ill effects in the future.