We’re kicking off a new series about the natural world of Bukovel. First up – the remarkable ecosystem of Lake of Youth, the largest man-made lake in Ukraine.
In summer, the lake is open daily for swimming, sunbathing, and lakeside leisure. And just recently, it achieved candidate status for the prestigious Blue Flag program – a sign of its environmental quality.
So who lives beneath its surface? Let’s meet the fish that help keep this alpine lake so clean and balanced.
- White Amur
Nicknamed the “lake’s janitor,” the white amur feeds on aquatic plants like reeds, cattails, and elodea. By controlling excess vegetation that would otherwise decompose and pollute the water, this species helps keep the lake from overgrowing – naturally filtering the water and maintaining oxygen levels.
- Pike
The pike preys on smaller fish, frogs, insects, and even small waterfowl. While it doesn’t clean the water directly, it plays a key ecological role by keeping other fish populations in check and preventing overpopulation. Pike often target weak or sick fish, promoting a healthier aquatic environment overall.
- Silver Carp
This fish acts like a natural water filter, feeding on phytoplankton – especially the blue-green algae responsible for murky water and algae blooms. Though not yet present in Lake of Youth, silver carp are scheduled for introduction soon, further supporting water clarity and ecological balance.
- Trout
A notoriously picky fish: trout populations only thrive in clean, cool, well-oxygenated water. Though not a “cleaner” in the usual sense, their presence signals top-tier water quality. If trout are happy, the lake is in excellent shape.
The Big Picture
- White amur is the key player in keeping the lake clean, while silver carp will soon help control algae levels.
- Pike and trout round out the food chain: pike maintain ecosystem balance, and trout confirm the lake’s purity.
This natural approach is why Bukovel doesn’t need chemical treatments to maintain water quality – the lake stays clean thanks to its own ecosystem.
Lake of Youth is open for swimming daily from 08:00 to 19:00.
Admission is free for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
Earlier, we shared highlights from the lakefront upgrades launched for summer 2025.