| Alepu | |
|---|---|
 Alepu as seen from the road | |
  | |
| Location | Burgas Province,Bulgaria |
| Nearest city | Sozopol |
| Coordinates | 42°21′24″N27°42′37″E / 42.3566°N 27.7103°E /42.3566; 27.7103[1] |
| Area | 167 hectares (410 acres) |
| Established | 1986 |
Alepu is aswamp on theBulgarianBlack Sea coast, situated withinBurgas Province, 6.5 kilometers south of theresort town ofSozopol. It is 3.3 kilometres (2.1 mi) long and up to 320 metres (1,050 ft) wide, with an area of 167 hectares (410 acres). Since 1986, the area has been designated anature reserve due to the large variety of rare and protectedwater birds who live there, and has sustained significant interest from local and foreignornithologists.[2] Thesand dunes adjacent to the reserve have also been designated as protected. Because of the lax protection from the local authorities, illegal hunting and fishing remain a threat to the reserve. It forms part of theRopotamoImportant Bird Area.
Thebeach across from Alepu is known for its scenery and aquamarine water.[citation needed] Up until the building of the Saint Thomas resort complex in 2009, it was known as one of the few truly wild beaches in Bulgaria.[citation needed]
Alepu Rocks in theSouth Shetland Islands,Antarctica are named after the Alepu locality.
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