Paliastomi Lake

Paliastomi Lake: The Heart of Kolkheti National Park

Paliastomi Lake is a large, shallow coastal lagoon located at the mouth of the Rioni River on the Black Sea coast of Georgia. As the centerpiece of the magnificent Kolkheti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the country’s most important wetlands. The lake is a unique ecosystem where freshwater from the Rioni and Pichori rivers mixes with saltwater from the Black Sea, creating a brackish environment teeming with life. Paliastomi is a paradise for birdwatchers, serving as a critical stopover and wintering ground for millions of migratory birds on the Eurasian-African flyway. The park offers fantastic opportunities for boat tours, allowing visitors to explore the lake’s vast reed beds, flooded forests, and hidden channels. The area is also rich in history and myth, believed by some to be a location connected to the ancient Greek legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece. Today, Paliastomi Lake is a premier destination for ecotourism, offering a chance to witness incredible biodiversity and the unique landscapes of the Colchic wetlands.

Identification and Location

• Name: Paliastomi Lake.
• Location:
• Country: Georgia
• Region: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti / Guria
• Municipality: Poti / Lanchkhuti
• Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Located just south of the port city of Poti, it is the largest lake within Kolkheti National Park.
• Coordinates: Approximately 42.11° N, 41.72° E.
• Connections: Connected to the Black Sea by a narrow channel. Fed by the Pichori and Kaparchina rivers, and influenced by the Rioni River.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Approximately 18.2 square kilometers.
• Maximum Depth: Shallow, around 3.2 meters.
• Average Depth: Approximately 2.6 meters.
• Elevation: Situated slightly below sea level (-0.3 m).
• Water Source(s): Rivers (Pichori, Kaparchina), and inflow from the Black Sea.
• Outflowing Stream(s): A channel connecting it to the Black Sea.
• Water Type: Brackish (a mix of freshwater and saltwater).
• Basin Geology: A coastal lagoon formed by the accumulation of river sediments and the changing coastline of the Black Sea.

Ecological Information

• Flora: Dominated by vast wetlands with extensive reed beds. The surrounding Kolkheti National Park features unique Colchic flooded forests and peat bogs.
• Fauna: A globally significant Important Bird Area (IBA). Hosts over 194 bird species, including vast flocks of waterfowl, herons, and pelicans. The lake has diverse fish fauna, including species that tolerate both fresh and saltwater.
• Trophic Level: Eutrophic, highly productive due to riverine nutrient inputs.
• Water Clarity: Generally low due to suspended sediments.
• Unique Ecological Features: A classic coastal lagoon ecosystem; part of the Kolkheti Wetlands, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
• Conservation Status: Strictly protected within Kolkheti National Park.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: The area is rich in archaeological sites, with evidence of ancient settlements found beneath the water, suggesting it was once a bay of the Black Sea. It is associated with the ancient Greek city of Phasis.
• Current Use: A major center for ecotourism, especially birdwatching and boat tours. It also supports regulated local fishing.
• Environmental Issues: The ecosystem is sensitive to pollution from the Rioni River, changes in water salinity, and the spread of invasive species.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Managed by Kolkheti National Park administration. International conservation projects are active in monitoring biodiversity and promoting sustainable tourism.
• Local Communities: The park and lake provide employment opportunities in tourism and fishing, playing a vital role in the local economy.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• The lake was featured in the classic Georgian film “The Wishing Tree” (“Natvris Khe”).
• Underwater archaeological expeditions have discovered remains of an ancient settlement dating back to the 2nd century AD.
• The name “Paliastomi” is of Greek origin, meaning “old mouth” or “old estuary.”