The total area of the lagoon is about 225 ha (560 acres) excluding the land area. It inhabits 13 fish species.[1]
The Beymelek Lagoon, located to the east of the Demre Delta, is formed by the accumulation of the alluvial deposits of Demre Creek in front of the Beymelek Bay through the coastal dynamics affected by the dominant south winds. The lake, fed with karstic resources, is independent of the Demre Creek's catchment, except for the southwestern delta area and coastline in today's conditions.[2] The lagoon is fed by the Lake Kaynak, which covers an area of some 6 ha (15 acres) west of the lagoon and is connected to it with a narrow channel.[3]
Endangered turtle species loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is also under protection in the fishery. The fishery is also a sanctuary for 20 bird species.[1]