Caspian Seal Population Decline Sparks Alarm among Experts
Caspian Seal Population Faces Alarming Decline, Urgent Conservation Measures Needed
The Caspian seal population has experienced a drastic decline of 90% over the past century, dropping from 1.2 million in the early 20th century to an estimated 75,000 to 270,000 today, according to independent environmental experts. The mortality rates have significantly increased since 2000, with hundreds or even thousands of seals dying each year. Factors contributing to this decline include canine distemper, pasteurellosis, chronic toxicity, and a newly identified neuroviral infection.
Bakhytgul Zhaksylykova, a member of the regional environmental council of the ECOJER Association, highlighted the destruction of the seals’ marine habitat as a major factor leading to weakened immune systems and increased mortality rates. Pollution from offshore oil extraction, transportation, and seismic exploration are major contributors to this crisis. As the Caspian seal is an endemic species found only in the Caspian Sea, conservation efforts are crucial to its survival.
To protect the Caspian seal population, Zhaksylykova proposed several conservation measures. These include conducting regular studies on both deceased and living seals, involving independent local experts in monitoring efforts, allocating a portion of fines from poachers to fund anti-poaching initiatives, and conducting sociological research to gather insights from experienced fishermen on sustainable marine resource management.
Furthermore, Zhaksylykova urged Kazakhstan to take the lead in convening an emergency meeting under the Tehran Convention to introduce a public oversight protocol for compliance with environmental conventions in Caspian states. The Tehran Convention aims to protect the marine environment of the Caspian Sea from pollution and ensure the sustainable use of its biological resources.
Emphasizing the importance of career development programs in environmental and biological fields, Zhaksylykova called for scholarships for students in marine mammalogy, ichthyology, ornithology, and veterinary sciences. She also recommended the establishment of a special working group to implement these conservation proposals.
The Caspian seal serves as a key indicator of environmental health in the Caspian ecosystem, making the need for urgent conservation measures even more critical. The preservation of this unique species is essential for maintaining the biodiversity and ecological balance of the Caspian Sea.
