To protect the rare and specially protected aquatic plant – Dortmann's lobelia – swimming and boating are prohibited in Lake Ummya from June 1 to August 15, bb.lv was informed by the Latvian Nature Conservation Agency.
In the latest edition of the Red Book of Latvia, Dortmann's lobelia is classified as a species that is seriously threatened with extinction. This plant is becoming increasingly rare and usually grows in shallow sandy freshwater lakes with very clean and clear water.
Lobelia is an indicator species: its presence indicates that the water in the body of water is clean. The plant is very sensitive and can be easily damaged; however, the main threat to it comes from water pollution caused by a large number of bathers and the overgrowth of the water body.
It is the crystal clear water of Lake Ummya that attracts vacationers every year. However, swimming and other forms of water recreation contribute to the introduction of organic substances and pollutants into the lake, which alters the water composition.
The ban in Lake Ummya has been in effect from June 1 to August 15 for 20 years.
Violating the ban carries a fine of 30 to 1000 euros.
Lake Ummya is located within the territory of the Primorsky Nature Park, established in 1962 to protect and preserve coastal biotopes, landscape values, forest dunes, and rare plant species.
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