Dystrophic crisis event in Papas Lagoon, Araxos Cape, Western Greece in the summer 2012

Abstract

A dystrophic crisis occurred in late June 2012 in the Lagoon of Papas, Araxos region, Western Greece (Ionian Sea) resulting in massive mortalities of aquatic organisms. The whole event was monitored through the basic aquatic physicochemical parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH) recorded before, during and after its occurrence. Although the phenomenon was manifested locally, it resulted in complete anoxia at the largest part of the lagoon which lasted ten days. Water quality of the entire lagoon was greatly affected by the dystrophic event and first signs of recovery were observed four months later.