nutrients washing into the Lake via stormwater run-off have assisted in improving water quality in Lake Macquarie. These activities include the construction of wetlands, the installation of stormwater treatment devices, bush regeneration and an increased awareness by the local community. Recreational fishing is improving as fish stocks respond to the recent removal of commercial fishing and the significant increase in water quality that has come from a concerted environmental program undertaken by the state government and council. Since settlement lake-bed silt has increased in some areas due to unsealed roads, road shoulders and diffuse effects of urbanisation, however the quantity is far less than in nearby Lake Munmorah, and swimming is quite tolerable. Average water depth is approximately , reaching a maximum depth of approximately east of Pulbah Island. The lake has an increased level of mercury. Recreation Recreational fishing, boating, kayaking and water skiing are all popular recreational activities on the lake. The popularity of kayaking is increasing. Sailing and yacht racing are also popular with the lake boasting many yacht clubs including: Belmont 16 ft Sailing Club Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, Belmont Mannering Park Amateur Sailing Club Marmong Pt Sailing Club Royal Motor Yacht Club of NSW, Toronto Speers Point Amateur Sailing Club South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club Teralba Amateur Sailing Club Toronto Amateur Sailing Club Toronto Wangi RSL Amateur Sailing Club See also List of lakes of Australia References External links Lake Macquarie navigation chart Macquarie Islands of New South Wales Important Bird Areas of New South Wales Protected areas established in 1970