Algal bloom occurs; Lake Çıldır turns green

Lake Çıldır, the second-largest lake in Eastern Anatolia, located in Ardahan, has turned green as a result of an algal bloom. The rapid depletion of water resources, pollution, and extreme increases in temperatures are causing blue-green algae accumulated at the bottom of lakes to rise to the surface. Citizens who captured images of the algal bloom in the lake state that a green layer covers the lake's surface and that the water's color turns green as it recedes. There is concern that this development, caused by climate change, will disrupt tourism activities carried out on the lake.

SHORES COVERED IN SLIME

The green color covering the surface of Lake Çıldır has begun to take on a slimy and gelatinous form along the shores. Local residents, especially fishermen and tourism operators, are experiencing great anxiety.

FISHERMEN STRUGGLE TO HAUL IN NETS

Fishermen casting their nets into the lake are struggling to pull them into their boats due to the pollution and are worried about how to clean them. The fishermen, whose entire livelihood depends on the fish they catch from the lake, say they will be unable to fish due to the algal bloom. Stating that a very heavy odor is spreading along the lakeshore, the fishermen also note that weeds are washing up on the shore.

News Source: 12punto