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.

Каспийй теңізінде ауланған балықтардың 15 түрін ихтиопатологиялық зерттеу нәтижелері бойынша Anisakidae тұқымдасы жататын Anisakis, Contracaecum,Porrocecum тоғышарларының жаппай таралуы анықталады. 

The fifth report on implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Turkmenistan presents the findings on the current stage and the situation of the biodiversity in Turkmenistan. It underlines the importance of the biodiversity preservation and highlights the main areas for work.

Отчёт подготовлен при поддержке совместного проекта Министерства охраны природы, Программы развития ООН в Туркменистане и Глобального экологического Фонда, «Планирование национального биоразнообразия в поддержку выполнения Конвенции по Биоразнообразию. Стратегический план Туркменистана на 2011-2020 гг.».

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 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. 

The approach used in this assessment was to collect and analyze information on biodiversity and related areas through documentation searches and interviews with key individuals and organizations concerned with biodiversity, both throughout Kazakhstan and in Washington, D.C. (see Annex C, List of Persons Contacted). An extensive series of field trips was undertaken. 

The Forum is the first event held in the framework of theDay of Caspian Sea celebration .

"Oil and gas offshore fields' development, which is beingcarried out at difficult geological conditions, increases man-caused impacts on environment of the region and creates real emergencies, including oil spills, as hydrocarbon deposits are located in an ecologically sensitive area of ​​the sea. The consequences of possible industrial accident capable of impacting the territories of neighboring countries", said Bapy.

According to his words, for monitoring of oil fields in thenorth-eastern part of the sea, there was established the North Caspian ecological base for oil spill response. "Ak Beren" blowout response group specialists are annually trained in the UK.

Delegations from five Caspian littoral states - the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan attended the first meeting of the Commission.