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Austria's Green Lake Closes For Divers

Diving in Austria's Green Lake is permanently prohibited, the local tourism office announced 

A unique underwater scenario of sunken benches, footpaths and a visibilty of 50m had made the lake popular with divers and swimmers. 

But the Tragöß-Grüner See tourism office announced the closure of the lake for all watersports activities in a statement on its Facebook page. 

It said that after the consultation of several expert opinions, the increasing amount of stirred up sediments by divers may result in the loss of the lake's name-giving green colour. 

Swimming, boats and dogs will also be prohibited to limit the pollution of the lake. 

Divers criticised the decision, suggesting that restrictions and dive permits could regulate the rush on Austria's popular tourism destination without banning diving altogether.