Danube River Branch Deepened to Save Srebarna Lake

A critical intervention is underway to save Srebarna Lake, a protected wetland in northeastern Bulgaria, as a branch of the Danube River is being deepened to combat critically low water levels. The measure is essential for ensuring that pumping units can access sufficient water to maintain the lake's delicate ecosystem.

Momchil Petrov, an expert from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIOSV) in Ruse, confirmed the operation to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). The deepening of the Danubean arm is a direct response to the severe drought conditions affecting the region, which have led to a drastic reduction in the water levels of both the river and the lake.

Srebarna Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a vital stopover for migratory birds along the Via Pontica flyway. Its ecological health is dependent on a stable water supply, primarily from the Danube. The current low levels threaten the biodiversity of the lake, impacting the numerous bird species that rely on it for nesting and feeding.

The intervention highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change and its impact on water resources in the region. By ensuring a consistent water flow to the lake, authorities hope to mitigate the immediate threat to the Srebarna ecosystem and preserve its status as a crucial natural habitat.

“

A branch of the Danube near Srebarna Lake is being deepened due to the critically low level of the river.