Children sit next to a bucket filled with fish on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo. One of Africa's Great Lakes, Tanganyika is the second largest in the continent, behind Lake Victoria. Bordering the DRC, Tanzania, Zambia and Burundi, the lives of millions living on its shores are under threat as the lake's ecosystem changes.
Children sit next to a bucket filled with fish on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo. One of Africa's Great Lakes, Tanganyika is the second largest in the continent, behind Lake Victoria. Bordering the DRC, Tanzania, Zambia and Burundi, the lives of millions living on its shores are under threat as the lake's ecosystem changes.
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Burundian refugees gather in the fishing village of Kagunga on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in 2015. Fishing yield has declined in recent years, partially because of unsustainable practices and an influx of displaced people settling in the region.
Burundian refugees gather in the fishing village of Kagunga on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in 2015. Fishing yield has declined in recent years, partially because of unsustainable practices and an influx of displaced people settling in the region.
DANIEL HAYDUK/AFP/Getty Images
Rapid deforestation of surrounding hillsides have loosened the earth, causing an increase in sand and mud being washed into the lake.
Rapid deforestation of surrounding hillsides have loosened the earth, causing an increase in sand and mud being washed into the lake.
LANDRY NSHIMIYE/AFP/Getty Images
This sand and mud smothers the lake floor in the shallows, where most of Lake Tanganyika's flora and fauna live.
This sand and mud smothers the lake floor in the shallows, where most of Lake Tanganyika's flora and fauna live.
FEDERICO SCOPPA/AFP/Getty Images
The main reason for human resettlement is conflicts in the 1990s in Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC.
The main reason for human resettlement is conflicts in the 1990s in Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC.
DANIEL HAYDUK/AFP/Getty Images
A passenger cargo vessel on the lake. Starting in the early 2000s, scientists have documented rapid water surface temperature rises, most likely because of global climate change, related to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
A passenger cargo vessel on the lake. Starting in the early 2000s, scientists have documented rapid water surface temperature rises, most likely because of global climate change, related to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
DANIEL HAYDUK/AFP/Getty Images
Bicycles pile up on the shore, 2015. Lake Tanganyika was recently declared the "Threatened Lake of 2017" by German NGO Global Nature Fund.
Bicycles pile up on the shore, 2015. Lake Tanganyika was recently declared the "Threatened Lake of 2017" by German NGO Global Nature Fund.
DANIEL HAYDUK/AFP/Getty Images