The wildlife study would come ahead of a 10mph speed limit

The move is part of a new management plan for the popular Cumbrian tourist spot.

South Lakeland councillors are due to make a final decision on the project on 23 January.

The study would coincide with plans to introduce a controversial 10mph speed limit on the lake.

A spokesman for South Lakeland Council said: "More information is needed about the area's biodiversity.

"The lake is important for birds, fish and plants.

"But information, for example on the spawning grounds of the rare arctic char, was last collected three decades ago."

He said they were hoping to find out which activities damaged the lake and whether introduced species were a problem.

The survey results could affect issues like yacht moorings on the lake.

The 10mph limit, imposed by the Lake District National Park Authority, is due to be introduced in March 2005.

It has prompted a series of demonstrations from users of the lake, who say the move could damage tourism in the area.