Excursion to lake Cerknica and the Adriatic Sea

Wednesday, 23.10.24: Excursion to lake Cernica and the Adriatic Sea

Excursion to lake Cerknica („disappearing lake“)
Together with our partner class, we arrived at lake Cerknica at 10 a.m. to take water samples. The weather was cloudy and foggy, so we couldn’t see the whole lake. We measured the water temperature and pH, and were surprised to find carrots growing in the lake. We then visited the nearby lake Cerknica museum, where we saw a model of the lake with a simulation showing how it disappears and reappears, earning it the nickname "the disappearing lake." Upstairs, we watched a short documentary on the lake's history and villages. The guide also showed us a rare 5-meter-long boat that was used to cross the lake in the past. (Matteo P, Philipp F-H, Gernot)

Fish Farm – Fonda, Piran
In the afternoon, we visited a fish farm managed by the Fonda family for years. They focus on raising healthy sea fish, especially sea bass, in a natural environment. The fish have more space than those in other farms in Indonesia or China to avoid diseases and improve life quality, without the use of chemicals. The farm also experiments with sea mussels in a smaller section. Overall, the quality seems better than at fish farms in China, Taiwan, and other low-cost producers. (Julian, Matteo S.)

Salt ponds and dolphin center in Piran
After visiting the fish farms, we went to the salt ponds, where our guide explained that workers focus on producing the best-looking salt crystals rather than maximizing quantity. Each worker has multiple fields where seawater is left to evaporate.
From the salt ponds we drove directely to a dolphin centre in Piran. One of the researchers explained that each dolphin's dorsal fin is unique, like a fingerprint, which is used to track their population. About 300 dolphins occasionally visit the bay of Piran. (Philipp L, Florian, Lea)

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