Lake Võrtsjarv is the largest lake within the boundaries of Estonia with a surface area of 270 square kilometres. Despite its great surface area, Lake Võrtsjärv is a shallow lake having an average depth of 2.8 m. On average, the lake is covered with ice 130 days a year (from December until April). The Suur Emajõgi River is the only outlet.
The lake is Natura 2000 site and is important habitat for nesting and migratory bird species. There are 35 different fish species, including fish having commercial value.
Lake Võrtsjärv is threatened by eutrophication. The main causes for eutrophication come from agricultural activities within the lake basin boundaries. The fast expansion of reed thickets and the deterioration of biological diversity are a clear evidence of the eutrophication of the lake during the last decades.
The Living Lakes Partner Organisations is Lake Võrtsjärv Fisheries Development Agency in cooperation with the Estonian University of Life Sciences, Centre for Limnology.