Lake Mariout, Brackish water lake in Alexandria, Egypt
Lake Mariout is a brackish water lake stretching along the southern edge of Alexandria, fed by freshwater inflows that mix with saline elements. The shoreline features fishing villages, salt production facilities, and areas where traditional boats are built and repaired.
Originally a freshwater lake, it was transformed when British forces dug a canal during the 1801 Siege of Alexandria, allowing seawater to enter and alter its composition. This intervention marked a turning point in the lake's ecology and how it has been used ever since.
The lake remains a working fishing ground where communities depend on daily catches to make their living. The traditional wooden boats you see here reflect generations of boat-building skills passed down through families.
Access the lake from Alexandria's southern neighborhoods, where small ports and fishing docks welcome visitors. Visit early in the morning to observe the daily rhythm of fishing activities and get the best light for viewing the water and shoreline.
Nile perch, typically found only in freshwater, have adapted to thrive in the brackish conditions here. This unexpected adjustment in fish behavior showcases how life finds ways to survive in changing environments.
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