The chairman of the fisheries committee at the Ministry of Agriculture Serik Sermagambetov has named the preliminary causes of death of Caspian seals and reported that the animals found on the coast of Aktau may have died in different parts of the Caspian Sea. According to him, similar incidents are recorded annually across the entire water area.
WHAT IS KNOWN
As Serik Sermagambetov stated at a press conference at the Central Communications Service (CCS), seals can die not only off the coast of Kazakhstan, but also off the shores of Azerbaijan and Iran. Afterwards, western storm winds can carry the carcasses to the coast of Aktau.
The head of the committee also reported that a protocol has been developed for cooperation with local executive bodies and public organisations regarding the collection of carcasses and the conservation of the Caspian seal.
WHAT CAUSES OF DEATH ARE BEING CITED
According to Serik Sermagambetov, the preliminary cause of death of the animals is considered to be asphyxia. According to research, this may be linked to underwater earthquakes and releases of natural gases, which lead to the suffocation of the seals.
He also noted that no infectious diseases have been detected in the found animals.
WHAT MEASURES HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAKEN
According to the fisheries committee, a state nature reserve has been opened in Aktau. In 2025, winter navigation was also restricted and the boundaries of fishing areas were adjusted, moving them away from the migration routes of the Caspian seal.
HOW MANY DEAD SEALS HAVE BEEN FOUND
According to information from Serik Sermagambetov, 230 dead seals have been discovered since the beginning of the year. He noted that similar incidents occur annually, and the highest number of dead animals was recorded in 2024 — around 2,000 individuals.
