Dojran Lake

The area of the Dojran Lake is 43km2 and its average depth is 3-5 metres. This lake has the biggest rate of fish production in Europe. Fishing is done in the old tradional way in this lake, by using birds-Cormorants. From the wooden houses built on the lake, the fishermen use trained birds to drive the fish into their nets. Now, however, the houses are on the land and that incapacitates this unique way of fishing. From the total quantity of water flowing into the lake 67% comes from the territory of the Republic of Greece, while 33% from our country. Every re-directing of the waters has grave consequences on the water level of the lake. Thus, by re-directing the waters and by overusing it for agricultural needs, this lake has become seriously endangered and it has lost about 5 million m3 water since 1978.

As a result of the improper exploatation of waters, the level of the water decreased significantly and the consequences were grave for the flora and fauna of the lake. The level of the water in the lake at the moment is 2.5 metres less than the minimal level. Dojran Lake is in deadly agony. If the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece do not do something about this as soon as possible, this lake might vanish from the world maps. The international public can help by providing solutions for this environmental problem.