Kazakhstani Webinar on the Caspian Seal

On August 16-17, the Republican Webinar “Results of research on the Caspian seal (Pusa caspica) in the period from 2015 to 2022. and measures for its conservation in the Kazakhstani part of the sea” was held in Kazakhstan.

The webinar was attended by a deputy of Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Scientific and Production Center for Fisheries LLP, the Institute of Microbiology and Virology RSE, Kazakhstan Agency of Applied Ecology LLP, Kazgidromet RSE, North Caspian Operating Company N.V., Caspian Seals Research and Rehabilitation Center (Aktau), Eco Mangistau NGI, Center for Environmental and Legal Initiative “Globus”, Tengizchevroil LLP, Institution “Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology” and the fishing community of the Mangistau Region.

The event presented the results of research on the Caspian seal population in the Kazakhstani part of the Caspian Sea in 2015-2022. The participants exchanged information on the current status of this species and its habitat conditions, discussed further researches, including assessment of the Caspian seal abundance and distribution, the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors, identification of causes for its mortality, and also expressed their readiness for cooperation and joint work. At the webinar, proposals regarding the development of a long-term action plan for the conservation of the Caspian seal population were heard and approved.

The webinar was organized by the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the support of Tengizchevroil LLP.

Source: the Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology (Irgeli, Kazakhstan).

In the top photo taken by M.T. Baimukanov: Caspian seals in the Kendirli Bay, the Kazakhstani part of the Caspian Sea, 2017.