Sarygamysh Lake

Karakalpakstan Region, Uzbekistan

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Sarygamysh Lake is a large saline lake located partly in the Karakalpakstan region of Uzbekistan and partly in Turkmenistan.

The lake lies in the Sarygamysh Depression, roughly midway between the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea. Historically, it has existed intermittently, with water levels influenced by the flow of the Amu Darya River, last naturally fed by river floods in 1878.

Since the 1960s, the lake has been sustained by collector-drainage waters from agricultural runoff, which has affected its ecological balance. It supports a diverse ichthyofauna, with around 32 species of fish recorded, including carp and catfish, some stocked for fishing purposes.

The surrounding region is noted for its birdlife and natural beauty, and the lake is part of important wildlife and ecological reserves, making it a significant site for eco-tourism and environmental study in Uzbekistan and the broader Central Asian region.