Kartsakhi Lake

The second largest lake in Georgia by surface area, Kartsakhi Lake sits on the high-altitude Javakheti Plateau and shares its transboundary water body status between Georgia (Samtskhe-Javakheti region) and Turkey (Ardahan Province). Probably created inside a geological depression, this big, shallow lake is fundamental to the Javakheti Protected Areas on the Georgian side. Its most notable feature is its extraordinary relevance as a wetland habitat for birds. Renowned as one of the main breeding and stopover places in the Caucasus for many waterfowl and wetland birds, Kartsakhi Lake also hosts huge numbers of Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans as well as vast colonies of Armenian Gulls. The lake’s water is freshwater but known for being somewhat more alkaline or saline than other lakes in the nearby area, fed by small streams and groundwater. The Georgian section is protected as the Kartsakhi Managed Reserve since its ecological importance, especially for birds, warrants preservation. Its position, diverse flora and fauna, and cross-border character make it a crucial place for conservation activities, scientific study, and specialist ecotourism and birdwatching, while also offering particular management issues calling for global cooperation.

Identification and Location

• Name: Kartsakhi Lake (Georgian: კარწახის ტბა).
• Location: Transboundary lake situated on the Javakheti Plateau.
  • Georgia: Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Akhalkalaki Municipality.
  • Turkey: Ardahan Province.
• Coordinates: Approximately 41∘15′ N latitude, 43∘14′ E longitude.
• Connections: Receives inflow from several small streams and groundwater. The Kartsakhistskali river flows out from the northeastern (Georgian) side, eventually draining towards the Paravani River and the Mtkvari (Kura) basin.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Second largest lake in Georgia. Total area is approximately 26.3 – 26.6 square kilometers, with about 14 square kilometers lying within Georgian territory.
• Maximum Depth: Very shallow, with reported maximum depths varying between 1.0 and 3.0 meters.
• Average Depth: Extremely shallow, likely less than 1 meter on average.
• Volume: Relatively small for its large surface area due to its shallowness.
• Elevation: High altitude, approximately 1798-1799 meters above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Extensive, divided by the international border, often characterized by marshy areas.
• Water Source(s): Small streams, snowmelt, precipitation, groundwater.
• Outlet(s): The Kartsakhistskali river (flowing out from the Georgian side).
• Water Type: Freshwater, though noted for slightly elevated salinity or alkalinity compared to other regional lakes.
• Basin Geology: Occupies a tectonic depression on the Javakheti volcanic plateau.

Ecological Information

• Flora: Characterized by extensive reedbeds and other emergent wetland vegetation along the shores and in shallow zones. Submerged aquatic plants are also likely present. The surrounding landscape is high-altitude steppe/grassland.
• Fauna: Of exceptional importance for birds (avifauna). It hosts major breeding colonies of Dalmatian Pelicans (Pelecanus crispus) and Great White Pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus), Armenian Gulls (Larus armenicus), and supports large numbers of diverse waterfowl (ducks, geese, coots, etc.) and wading birds, both during breeding season and migration. Fish populations adapted to shallow, potentially slightly alkaline waters exist (e.g., carp). The wetland ecosystem supports associated amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates.
• Trophic Level: Likely Mesotrophic to Eutrophic (moderate to high nutrient levels).
• Water Clarity: Variable, often likely low due to shallow depth allowing wind disturbance of sediments, and biological activity.
• Water Temperature: Subject to significant seasonal variation; freezes over in winter.
• pH Levels: Likely slightly alkaline.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Variable, can potentially become low under certain conditions (e.g., under ice, during calm summer nights).
• Unique Ecological Features: One of the most important bird breeding and migratory stopover sites in the Caucasus region, especially for pelicans and gulls. It’s a transboundary wetland ecosystem and Georgia’s second-largest lake.
• Conservation Status: The Georgian part constitutes the Kartsakhi Managed Reserve, integrated into the Javakheti Protected Areas system. It is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and holds qualities potentially qualifying it as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Effective conservation requires cross-border collaboration.
• Invasive Species: The potential presence of non-native fish or aquatic plants is possible.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: Located in a historically complex border region. Traditional land use likely included fishing and livestock grazing.
• Current Uses: Primarily significant for biodiversity conservation (especially bird habitats) and related scientific research. It is a prime destination for birdwatching tourism. Local fishing (recreational/subsistence) likely occurs. Surrounding areas are used for livestock grazing.
• Environmental Issues: Vulnerable to water level fluctuations (driven by climate variability and potentially upstream water use). Potential pollution risks from agricultural runoff or nearby settlements. Habitat quality can be affected by practices like reed cutting or burning and overgrazing. Disturbance to sensitive bird colonies is a major concern. Managing a shared transboundary resource poses inherent challenges.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: The Georgian section is managed by the Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia under the Kartsakhi Managed Reserve regulations. Conservation requires ongoing monitoring, habitat management, and ideally, coordinated transboundary management strategies with Turkey.
• Local Communities: Provides natural resources (fishing, grazing land) for local communities in Georgia’s Akhalkalaki municipality and Turkey’s Ardahan province. Sustainable ecotourism (birdwatching) offers potential economic benefits.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• The lake straddles the international border between Georgia and Turkey.
• It is the second largest lake in Georgia by surface area.
• It hosts one of the most significant breeding colonies for Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans in the Caucasus region.
• The water has a slightly higher alkalinity/salinity compared to most other freshwater lakes on the Javakheti plateau.