Documents

This scoping paper considers the interrelationship between the fisheries and the protection of the marine environment of the Caspian Sea.  It has been prepared in response to the request of the Parties to the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, during the first meeting of Conference of the Parties in May 2007 in Baku.[1]  The aim of the scoping paper is to support the Parties in their efforts to intensify their regional dialogue and to build their regional partnership for safeguarding the marine environment of the Caspian Sea for the benefit of present and future generations. 

[1] Statement of Ministers at the first Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, 25 May 2007, Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan.

There is a widespread perception that the Caspian is in a state of ecological decline, and that one aspect of this is a decline in biodiversity.  This is of particular concern, due to the status of the Caspian as a unique water body inhabited by a large number of endemic species.  There is also a widespread belief that the Caspian is very sensitive to the impacts of industrial activities and in particular to those associated with oil and gas production and transportation.

There no evidence that reduction in fish populations is the only possible cause of decline in tulka catch. Availability of existing stocks to fishery industry could be another immediate cause of decline in catches. This cause is more difficult to exam as little data is available on stocks relocation and changes in fish behaviour.

Decline of stock is reported and is considered as the most important factor. At the moment it is the only immediate cause possible to exam with sufficient data. It has several underline causes and each cause can has different impact to three species. According to Astrakhan Fishery Institute data stock of anchovy tulka reduced from 968 thousands tons in 1999 to 300 thousands tons in 2002, stock of big-eye tulka reduced from 112 thousand tons in 1999 to 4 thousands tons in 2004; and stocks of Caspian tulka remain in stability at the level of 400 thousands tons.

The Caspian Sea, world largest lake, is bordered by Republic of Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation and Turkmenistan. Out of 122 fish species and subspecies living in the Caspian Sea, 40 species are believed to be commercial and presently 25 species are the main exploited fish (Ivanov, 2000). At present sturgeons, tulka and Caspian Sea seals are considered as shared commercial stocks between Caspian Sea range states.

The Caspian Sea, world largest lake, is bordered by Azerbaijan Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, Republic, Russian Federation and Turkmenistan. Its biodiversity is comprised of 1354 plant, animal and more than 122 fish species. Out of 122 fish species and subspecies living in the Caspian Sea, 40 species are commercial and presently 25 species are the main exploited fish. The Caspian Sea fishes are divided to four main groups, including 53 species Marine fishes (43.5%), 42 species (13.4%) of freshwater origin, 18 species (14.7%) anadromous and 9 species (7.4%) semi-anadromous. At present sturgeons, kilka and Caspian Sea seals are considered as shared stocks between Caspian Sea range states.

The article examines recent Caspian Sea level change by using both satellite radar altimetry and satellite gravity data. The altimetry record for 2002–2015 shows a declining level at a rate that is approximately 20 times greater than the rate of global sea level rise. Seasonal fluctuations are also much larger than in the world oceans. With a clearly defined geographic region and dominant signal magnitude, variations in the sea level and associated mass changes provide an excellent way to compare various approaches for processing satellite gravity data. 

Average precipitation and evaporation in the Caspian Sea in 2000-2015.

Created by Manana Kurtabadze.

The tourist brochure describes interesting species of flora and fauna of the Ural River Delta and the adjacent coastal zone of the Caspian Sea.

This study is an attempt to develop an integrated methodology to predict the impact of the Caspian Sea on flooding using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and hydrodynamic modeling. A rise in the sea level might lead to major flooding events, and have a severe impact on the spatial development of cities and regions. The feasibility of simulating a flood event along a drain channel is evaluated near residential development areas along the Chapakroud drain.

The study shows that at these elevations environmental and social problems arise with regards to the drain. The results also indicate that GIS is an effective tool for floodplain visualization and analysis. It should be noted that the mixture of salt and soft water, as a result of rising sea water level, is a problem that was not investigated in this study and should be examined in the future. 

This brochure has been produced on behalf of the consortium developing the hydrocarbon deposits beneath the North East Caspian defined under the North Caspian Sea Production Sharing Agreement of 1997.

The concession area lies in a region of rich biodiversity recognized as being of international importance for its wildlife, including several species that are classified as endangered. The widely varying conditions in the North East Caspian include extreme seasonal temperature variations, long-term sea level change, short-term sea surges and retreats, high levels of turbidity and sediment movement, ice cover in winter and scouring of the seabed by moving ice.

This dynamic environment presents challenges for those who live and work in the area. It also means that the fauna and flora on land and at sea, are adapted to a significant level of environmental stress from continually changing physical conditions.