The results of water sample tests taken by the Black Sea Basin Directorate (BSBD) - Varna, from the Shabla Lake area and the sea waters in proximity, for oxygen conditions, nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, petroleum products (visually) and some pesticides, are ready. They are part of the inspections conducted in the case of dead birds and dolphins.

The results of water tests from Shabla Lake indicate compliance with the norms and quality standards for good/excellent status.

In coastal sea waters, exceedances of the norms for ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were found, as well as a slightly reduced concentration of dissolved oxygen. The values for the other indicators correspond to good/excellent status. It should be noted that the norms for sea waters are extremely low and refer to deep water.

The exceedance in sea waters according to the recorded indicators cannot be linked to the death of birds and dolphins in the area, which is probably due to other factors or a combination of such.

We recall that joint inspections were carried out by the Black Sea Basin Directorate, the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water - Varna, the Regional Health Inspectorate and the Regional Administration - Dobrich.

As part of the inspections, the coastal zone was patrolled, samples were taken for laboratory analysis, and actions were taken to clean the affected areas. According to the Regional Directorate for Food Safety - Dobrich, the bird flu samples were negative, and additional samples were taken by the Green Balkans Association for testing the birds and dolphins.