Investigation underway after dead fish discovered in Athalassa lake

Approximately 80 dead fish have been found in the lake at Athalassa park, prompting an investigation by several government departments after the incident was identified on Sunday and into Monday.

An emergency meeting has been convened to examine the cause and determine further action.

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”.

According to officials, the dead fish are primarily carp with some smaller specimens also recorded.

Collection efforts began on Sunday and are continuing as further fish are identified.

“Personnel from the forestry department have been recalled to collect the dead fish and prevent the phenomenon from spreading to other living organisms in the lake,” Kyriakou affirmed, adding that crews are also patrolling the area.

Samples have been taken for laboratory analysis, with results expected within the week.

Kyriakou remarked that 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.

In a statement issued on Monday, the agriculture ministry assured that “instructions were immediately given to the competent departments to investigate and manage the incident.