Expert: Deterioration of Sevan’s Water Quality Linked to Lack of Endemic Fish in the Lake

The deterioration of water quality in Lake Sevan is linked to the lack of endemic fish species in the lake. This was stated by Arthur Atoyan, the head of the Center for Protection of Rights of Armenian Producers and Consumers, during a meeting with journalists on July 31.

According to him, this situation has resulted in some of the feed given to fish in nets settling on the bottom, leading to the formation of phosphorus as well as algal blooms. “Running water flows into the lake, containing microorganisms that serve as good food for certain types of fish. However, the reduction of fish stocks has led to pollution of Sevan by these microorganisms as well. It is essential to prohibit net fishing and start increasing the populations,” he noted.

Atoyan pointed out that NGOs can raise issues and propose solutions, but primarily, state structures need to take action, which they have not yet done.