Investigation launched following discovery of dead fish in Athalassa Lake

On March 30, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus launched an investigation into reports of numerous dead fish appearing in Athalassa Lake. Four departments, including Water Development, Forests, Fisheries and Marine Research, and Environment, are coordinating efforts to determine the cause of the incident. While officials are currently investigating, spokesperson for the Forestry Department, Glaukos Kyriakou, noted that similar previous incidents, such as those in October 2024, were attributed to toxic cyanobacteria depleting oxygen levels. Unlike previous events, authorities stated that current conditions include increased water flow due to recent rainfall. Forestry Department personnel have begun collecting the dead fish to prevent environmental contamination and risks to other local wildlife. A formal meeting is scheduled for the following morning to address the situation. Official findings will be shared with the public once the investigation is concluded.