Hersek Lagoon effected the construction of Osman Gazi Bridge, one of the key parts of the highway that will shorten the travel time between İstanbuş-İzmir to 3.5 hours. The bridge was curved in consideration of the equilibrium of the waterfowl inhabiting the lagoon at the bridge abutment. Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs, Veysel Eroğlu, pointing out that Hersek Lagoon covers a 152-hectare area, stated, “According to the midwinter waterfowl survey we have conducted between January 15th – February 15th, a total of 5 thousand 356 waterfowl belonging to 37 different species were counted at the lagoon. All year round this lagoon houses a total of 113 bird species, 24 of which throughout their breeding season.”