Lake Uzlina

Lake Uzlina lies in the Danube Delta, in Murighiol commune, Tulcea County, north of the Sfântu Gheorghe branch and south of Lake Isac. It belongs to the Gorgova-Uzlina complex (hydrographic unit), in the depression zone of the fluvial delta between the Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe branches. South-west of the lake, on the Sfântu Gheorghe branch, lies the village of Uzlina, linked to the lake by the Uzlina canal; at the 2021 census Uzlina had only 11 inhabitants. The lake was altered by canals dug in the 20th century, which bring nutrient-rich water straight from the Danube. According to Erika Schneider-Binder's study (2018), water chestnut (Trapa natans) communities grow near the mouths of the connecting channels, where nutrient-laden water enters, as can be seen in Lake Uzlina itself; the water chestnut roots trap fine sediment. The Litcov and Uzlina canals hold pondweed communities typical of running water (Potamogeton nodosus), and white and yellow water lilies are common in the lakes. The lake's sediments are studied by researchers, including in 2024, to follow the input of material brought by the Danube. The lake is visited by boat from Murighiol or Uzlina, on official DDBRA route 7 (Murighiol → Uzlina → Lake Uzlina → Lake Isac → Perivolovca channel → Murighiol); route 8 (Murighiol → Uzlina → Litcov Canal → Crișan Canal → Lake Puiu → Lake Erenciuc → Murighiol) also passes through Uzlina village. Any visit to the Biosphere Reserve requires the access permit issued by the DDBRA; it can be bought online (ddbra.ro), by SMS, at SelfPay terminals or at the DDBRA information centres in Crișan, Sulina and Murighiol. Children, pupils, students and pensioners receive it free of charge. Camping is allowed only at authorised sites. Lake Uzlina lies within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO site since 1991, Ramsar site) and in the Natura 2000 sites ROSCI0065 Danube Delta and ROSPA0031 Danube Delta and Razim-Sinoie Complex, managed by the DDBRA. Did you know that the village of Uzlina, which gives the lake its name, had only 11 inhabitants at the 2021 census? As early as 2004 the press called it "the village with only two inhabitants" (Jurnalul Național), although its name appears on many Delta routes.