Burnas Lagoon
Burnas Lagoon is a marine lagoon in southern Ukraine, located in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Raion of Odesa Oblast. The lagoon is part of the Tuzly Lagoons group.Etymology
The name "Burnas" is considered by linguists to be likely of Cuman origin, sharing its etymology with the Burnazului Plain in the historical region of Muntenia.Geography
The lagoon has an elongated basin with steep banks, except for its southern part. It covers an area of 26.9 km², with a length of 9.6 km and a maximum width of 3.2 km. The maximum depth is 1.5 m, with an average depth of 1 m. In the north, the Burnas Lagoon is connected to the Solone Ozero lagoon, and to the northwest, it connects to the Kurudiol Lagoon, which in turn links it to the Alibey Lagoon in the west.Hydrology
The lagoon is separated from the Black Sea by a narrow, oblique sandbar, which is breached by a channel that allows for water exchange. The primary source of freshwater is the Alkaliya River. Due to continuous water exchange with the sea and high rates of evaporation, the lagoon's salinity is approximately twice that of the Black Sea, at around 30%.Ecology
Located in the Danube floodplain near the Danube Delta, the Burnas Lagoon supports rich aquatic vegetation. The shores of the lagoon are an important nesting site for numerous species of birds, which use the area for reproduction and molting.Protected status
The Burnas Lagoon is part of the Shagany-Alibei-Burnas system of lagoons, which has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The protected area covers 190 km² and is included within the Tuzly Lagoans National Natural Park.Economy
The peloid health spa of Lebedivka is located on the northern coast of the Burnas Lagoon.