Photos showing dead fish and white foam along the shores of Dojran Lake have stirred public concern, but local authorities say the phenomenon is not linked to an ecological incident.
Dojran Mayor Ango Angov told MIA news agency that the fish deaths are a natural occurrence during the spawning season. “Some fish are unable to release their eggs and die as a result. The water quality is regularly monitored and remains good,” he said, adding that a new wastewater treatment plant would soon be operational, further improving conditions in the lake.
According to local fishermen, the dead fish belong to the carassius species, a non-native variety to the lake. They say such die-offs are common during spawning season and are often caused by injuries from birds or other fish.
While North Macedonian officials have sought to calm fears, Greek authorities are stepping up protective measures on their side of the lake. Although Greece has a lengthy Mediterranean coastline, it also prioritizes lake ecosystems such as Dojran, 64% of which lies in North Macedonia and 36% in Greece.
Fishing ban and surveillance in Greece
A fishing ban will be in effect on the Greek side from April 14 to May 14 to protect fish during the spawning period. Authorities have agreed to tighten enforcement with drone surveillance and thermal cameras. The measures were coordinated during a meeting in Kilkis, Greece, on April 10, following consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries.
“The preservation of fish populations is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for the livelihoods of local communities,” said Andreas Vergidis, deputy mayor of Kilkis. “Despite the ban, illegal night fishing with flashlights remains a problem.”
Greece considers the lake part of its Natura 2000 protected network. Nine licensed fishermen are currently active on the Greek side. North Macedonia is not part of the European Union and its side of the lake does not enjoy the same level of protection.
Environmental recovery
Dojran Lake, North Macedonia’s third largest natural lake and the lowest in elevation, has been designated a natural monument since 2011, following a decision by the national parliament. The designation aims to preserve its rare ecological and cultural values.
Between 1984 and 2003, the lake faced severe ecological decline due to over-extraction, evaporation, and prolonged drought. A government-led project in 2003 launched a hydrosystem connecting the lake to Gjavato field, supplying an estimated 28 million cubic meters of water annually and helping stabilize water levels.
Recent data from the national hydrometeorological service shows the lake’s level is currently 52 centimeters below the agreed minimum—an improvement of 17 centimeters compared to December.
