The littoral zone extends towards the center of the lake, from the natural high water mark to the point where aquatic vegetation disappears. This relatively shallow water area is home to a diversity of flora and fauna.
The plants of the littoral zone are essential to the life of the lake. They absorb various substances dissolved in water to make organic matter which serves as food for aquatic animals. They also protect aquatic fauna from light, heat and natural enemies while sheltering a diversity of living entities. Without aquatic plants, fish would be deprived of much of their food. Aquatic plants also reduce the effect of waves and thus help protect the coastline from erosion.
The littoral zone is the most diverse and nutrient-rich area of any lake. It is home to most of the plant and animal species that live in the lake. These life forms contribute to the ecology of the system. If we disrupt this balance, we endanger the very life of our lake. To prevent the degradation of our lake, it is essential to protect the integrity of the shoreline zone. We must ensure the free circulation of water under our docks. As soon as an obstacle to the free movement of water in the littoral zone is created, a large number of symptoms of degradation appear in the immediate area. The rate of sediment accumulation increases rapidly, nutrients accumulate, and the littoral zone is gradually invaded by aquatic plants and algae.