Lake Sevan. Past, present, and future state of a unique alpine lake

Abstract

Lake Sevan, a large, deep, alpine lake in the Lesser Caucasus is the focus of this Special Issue of the Journal of Limnology. It was an outstanding ecosystem 100 years ago characterised by excellent water quality, rich biodiversity with a high level of endemism, wide-ranging beds of macrophytes along the shores and a productive and sustainable fish production. Due to its beauty, natural history, and contributions to social and economic welfare it is also a cultural heritage for the Armenian Nation including its large diaspora.