The lake is so shallow in many places that you could almost walk across it — in parts it is only about 1.5 metres deep, which is less than the height of a grown-up. Because it is shallow, the water is warm and full of light, which helps plants and fish to grow very well.
Lake Chad is famous for being a stopover for birds that travel thousands of kilometres from Europe and Asia every year. Pelicans, ducks and spoonbills all rest here on their long journeys, eating fish to get their energy back before flying on. It is like a giant motorway service station for birds.
Local fishing families have lived around the lake for thousands of years. Fishers paddle out in wooden canoes early each morning, using nets that they have learned to make from their parents and grandparents. The fish they catch — like tilapia and Nile perch — are eaten fresh or dried in the sun to keep for later.