Mass fish die-off reported in the Caspian Sea

A mass die-off of 173 sturgeon has been reported along a 15-kilometer stretch of the Caspian Sea coast in Kazakhstan's Mangystau region. The dead fish were discovered between the ‘Omir glamping’ recreation area and the Kurik port, spanning toward Pesachny Cape.

The exact cause of death remains undetermined. Because the fish carcasses were in various stages of decomposition and natural drying, authorities were unable to collect soft tissue samples for histological and toxicological analysis. Visual inspections revealed no signs of fishing nets or hooks, suggesting the deaths were not caused by fishing activity.

While the incident raises ecological concerns for other Caspian nations, including Azerbaijan, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Center stated that there is currently insufficient data to confirm a direct impact on Azerbaijan. Experts noted that because the Caspian Sea is a single water body, changes in water quality or hydrometeorological conditions affect all surrounding countries, but further scientific research into water hydrochemical indicators is required to assess the risk.