Nicosia, Cyprus. Approximately 80 dead fish have been found in the lake at Athalassa park, prompting an investigation by several government departments. An emergency meeting has been convened to examine the cause and determine further action.
Investigation and initial assessment
The incident was identified on Sunday and into Monday, triggering collection efforts that began on Sunday and are continuing as further fish are identified.
Forestry department spokesman Glafkos Kyriakou said initial assessments indicate the deaths were linked to environmental conditions. “The sudden increase in water seems to have stirred up the mud of the riverbed and affected the fish,” he said, adding that the phenomenon “does not appear to be due to disease or pollution”.
Species affected and response measures
Officials said the dead fish are primarily carp, with some smaller specimens also recorded.
Kyriakou said forestry department personnel have been recalled to collect the dead fish and prevent the phenomenon from spreading to other living organisms in the lake, adding that crews are also patrolling the area.
Laboratory testing and previous incident
Samples have been taken for laboratory analysis, with results expected within the week.
Kyriakou said a similar incident occurred in 2024 without affecting the overall ecological balance. “It’s a relatively small number of dead fish and we can confirm that the park’s turtles and birds are not affected,” he said.
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