Jandari Lake

Jandari Lake (ჯანდარის ტბა) is a significant transboundary body of water located on the border between southeastern Georgia (Kvemo Kartli region, likely Marneuli Municipality) and Azerbaijan. Situated in the Kura-Aras Lowland plain, southeast of Tbilisi and Rustavi, this relatively shallow lake plays an important role in the region’s agriculture and ecosystem. Its elevation is low, around 291 meters (approx. 955 feet) above sea level.

Historically, the lake basin may have been a natural, possibly saline or brackish wetland prone to seasonal drying. However, its modern hydrology is heavily influenced by human intervention, particularly since the construction of canals in the late 19th and 20th centuries (like the Gardabani canal). These canals divert water primarily from the Mtkvari (Kura) River system to maintain the lake’s level, transforming it into a freshwater reservoir used mainly for irrigation in both Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Covering an area of roughly 10-12 square kilometers (split between the two countries, with Georgia holding about a third), Jandari Lake is quite shallow, with a maximum depth around 7 meters and an average depth likely between 2-4 meters. This shallowness, combined with nutrient inputs, makes it a productive (eutrophic) ecosystem, supporting extensive reed beds and a rich fish fauna (reportedly over 20 species including carp, catfish, pike-perch). This makes it a crucial site for both commercial and recreational fishing. Furthermore, Jandari Lake is recognized internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA), providing vital habitat for nesting, wintering, and migratory water birds.

Identification and Location:

• Name: Jandari Lake (ჯანდარის ტბა); Azerbaijani: Candargöl.
• Location:
  • Country: Straddles the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan.
  • Region (Georgia): Kvemo Kartli.
  • Municipality (Georgia): Likely Marneuli.
  • Nearest Major Landmark: Southeast of Rustavi and Tbilisi, on the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. Part of the Kura-Aras Lowland.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 41.4∘ N latitude, 45.2∘ E longitude (straddling the border).
• Relationship to other bodies of water: Lowland lake/reservoir within the Kura River basin. Fed primarily by artificial canals diverting water from the Mtkvari (Kura) River system (e.g., Gardabani canal). Outflow is also likely via controlled canals for irrigation.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: ≈10.6−12.5 km2 (area fluctuates; approx. one-third in Georgia, two-thirds in Azerbaijan).
• Maximum Depth: $\approx 7.2\text{ m}$ (approx. 24 ft).
• Average Depth: Likely $\approx 2-4\text{ m}$ (approx. 7 – 13 ft).
• Volume: Data unavailable, but moderate volume due to large area but shallow depth.
• Elevation: $\approx 291\text{ m}$ (approx. 955 ft) above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Data unavailable; relatively long and complex due to shape and low-lying terrain. Often marshy with reed beds.
• Water Source(s): Primarily artificial canals from the Mtkvari River system (Gardabani canal); also local runoff and precipitation.
• Outlet(s): Controlled outflow via canals used for irrigation in both countries.
• Water Type: Currently Freshwater due to canal inputs, though potentially slightly mineralized. Historically may have been brackish/saline.
• Basin Geology: Natural tectonic depression within the Kura-Aras lowland plain, significantly modified into a managed reservoir system.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Characterized by extensive reedbeds (Phragmites) along the shores. Submerged and floating aquatic vegetation typical of shallow, eutrophic lakes. Surrounding areas are typically semi-arid steppe or agricultural land.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Rich fish diversity (reportedly >20 species), including commercially important species like Common Carp, Grass Carp, Catfish, Pike-perch (Sudak), Crucian Carp, Bream, Barbel, Bleak. Crucial Important Bird Area (IBA) for nesting, migrating, and wintering waterfowl and shorebirds (e.g., pelicans, cormorants, herons, ducks, terns).
• Trophic Level: Eutrophic, characterized by high nutrient levels and biological productivity.
• Water Clarity: Generally low (turbid) due to shallowness, sediment inflow from canals, wind action, and high plankton/algal density.
• Water Temperature: Follows seasonal air temperatures. Warms significantly in summer. Freezing in winter is usually superficial or partial. Currently (late April), water is cool.
• pH Levels: Data unavailable.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Data unavailable; likely experiences low oxygen conditions in bottom waters during summer stratification due to eutrophication.
• Unique Ecological Features: Status as a transboundary lake. High importance as an Important Bird Area (IBA) within the region. Significant fishery resource.
• Conservation Status: Designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Its ecological health depends heavily on water management and quality inputs from the canal system. Requires transboundary cooperation for effective conservation.
• Invasive Species: Data unavailable, but modified systems like this are often susceptible to introductions.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: The natural basin existed previously, likely as a seasonal wetland/lake. Major hydrological modification occurred with the construction of irrigation canals starting around 1870 and intensified during the Soviet period, stabilizing it as a reservoir.
• Current Uses: Primary uses are irrigation for agriculture in both Georgia and Azerbaijan, and significant fishing (both recreational and commercial). Important site for birdwatching tourism and research.
• Environmental Issues: Water quality concerns due to pollution load from the Mtkvari River via canals. Water level fluctuations caused by uncoordinated water abstraction for irrigation by both countries. Potential overfishing. Habitat degradation impacting bird populations. Challenges of transboundary water resource management. Eutrophication.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Requires coordinated management between Georgian and Azerbaijani water resource and environmental agencies. Subject to national fishing regulations. IBA designation highlights its conservation value and promotes monitoring by ornithological groups.
• Local Communities: Provides vital irrigation water supporting agriculture. Fishing offers a source of livelihood and recreation. Potential for developing regulated ecotourism focused on birdwatching.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• The lake straddles the international border between Georgia and Azerbaijan.
• Recognized internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its significance for bird populations.
• Its water regime is heavily dependent on artificial canals bringing water from the Mtkvari (Kura) River.
• Historically, the natural lake in the basin was prone to drying out before large-scale water management interventions.
• Supports a substantial fishery, important for both countries.