Documents

The data of long-term ecological studies (1999–2014) are used for assessing the impact of a new Caspian invader Mnemiopsis leidyi A. Agassiz, 1865 on marine and anadromous fish species. The introduction of the ctenophore and its massive development in the Caspian Sea have mainly affected planktophagous fish, especially the most abundant species anchovy sprat (Clupeonella engrauliformis Borodin, 1904) and sturgeons (Family Acipenseridae). Mnemiopsis leidyi is one of the main negative factors preventing the restoration of the populations of Caspian fishes, especially anchovy tyulka. The critical state of the resources of the spawning parts of sturgeon populations (Family Acipenseridae) has been reinforced as a result of the massive development of M. leidyi.

Map of Tourism provided by Manana Kurtrubadze for the SOE (2018).

On August 11, 2017, a number of events were held by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MENR) connected with the 12 August – “Caspian Day” for the purpose of raising public awareness with regard to the problems and conservation of the Caspian Sea. A meeting was held at MENR by way of the discussion of environmental issues of the Caspian Sea, implemented works and mechanism of involvement of the public in the protection of the Caspian Sea with the participation of certain governmental bodies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), as well as the youth. Furthermore, a cleansing action was conducted at the coastal zone of Novkhani beach in order to increase the public role, and strengthen the collaboration with public on the betterment of the environmental state of the Caspian Sea and its littoral zone. It should be noted that 2 hectare area was cleaned during the cleansing action, and the collected wastes were recycled. The main objective of the celebration of “Caspian Day” is the strengths mobilization on the protection of the Caspian Sea environment from pollution, conservation, restoration, sustainable and effective use of biological resources of the sea, and public enlightenment in this sphere.