The level of the Caspian Sea has reached its lowest value in the last 48 years. Over 30 years, the sea has shallowed by 2.5 metres, and in some coastal areas the water has receded by more than 1.5 metres. Against the backdrop of climate change, the problem is acquiring not only ecological but also economic significance for the Caspian countries.
HOW MUCH THE CASPIAN LEVEL HAS FALLEN
As reported by the Azerbaijani TV channel Xəzər TV, the head of the laboratory of geography of the Caspian Sea at the Institute of Geography, Seid Safarov, spoke about the scale of the shallowing.
According to him, over the last 30 years the sea level has dropped by 2.5 metres. In certain coastal areas the water has receded by more than 1.5 metres. The current figure has become the lowest in the last 48 years.
WHY THE CASPIAN SEA IS SHALLOWING
Among the main causes of the shallowing, experts cite climate change and global warming.
At the same time, the problem is not limited to changes in the coastline. The reduction of the water area affects natural ecosystems and creates additional difficulties for economic activity on the coast.
WHAT THE SHALLOWING THREATENS THE CASPIAN REGIONS WITH
A further drop in the water level, according to experts' estimates, could lead to ecological, economic and social consequences. Among the vulnerable sectors are shipping, the oil and gas industry, coastal infrastructure and biodiversity.
In certain areas of Azerbaijan, with further shallowing, the coastline could recede by 12 km. This creates a potential threat to port facilities, resorts and holiday guesthouses.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The shallowing of the Caspian has been discussed for several years. The issue has moved beyond the ecological agenda and has affected transport infrastructure, the oil and gas sector and water resource management.
In Kazakhstan, the consequences of the falling sea level are already affecting port activity. In particular, in May 2026, the Chinese company China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) received a contract worth 20.6 billion tenge for dredging work at the port of Aktau. This is necessary to ensure that vessels can approach the port's water area.
The problem has also become the subject of scientific research and international initiatives. In February 2026, the Government of Kazakhstan allocated 1.1 billion tenge for the development of the scientific base of the Kazakh Research Institute of the Caspian Sea. The funds are intended, in particular, for the purchase of equipment for marine monitoring and the equipping of laboratories.