Stranded on Tyub-Karagan
The number of dead Caspian seals being stranded on the Tyub-Karagan Peninsula coast in Kazakhstan is increasing. On October 10, an expedition organised by the Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology (IHE) found 6 dead seals on the western coast of the peninsula, and on October 24 – 51 individuals. On October 25-26, the sea washed up 100 seals on the same area between Bautino and Fort-Shevchenko. By October 29, 289 dead animals had already been registered.
In the area of mass strandings, IHE was joined by representatives of Zhaiyk-Caspian Interregional Basin Inspectorate of Fisheries, the Branch of Qazaq Balyk Fisheries and Aquaculture Republican Association, and Central Asian Institute of Environmental Research (CAIER).
Zhazira Sydykova, a research fellow from IHE, spoke about what scientists did when they find a dead seal. They mark GPS-coordinates for the stranding site, photograph, measure and examine the animal (to see if the animal has been injured, etc.). Then, depending on decomposition stage, they collect biological samples for histological, toxicological researches, as well as samples to identify the animal’s age and causes of death.
The death of some seals was not natural: traces of suffocation and injuries from fishing nets, and cuts were found on their bodies. A large number of pregnant seals were found. Only three months remained before the birth of their pups on ice in the Northern Caspian… ‘Why did they die?’ laments Assel Baimukanova, a research fellow from IHE. ‘There is nothing to say yet. Before migrating in the Northern Caspian, they were healthy, since they could bear fetus. But then something happens, and they die. The main question is – what? Biologists alone cannot reveal all the causes of mortality – ecologists, chemists, and technologists need to be involved.’
‘Histological researches of last year’s mass mortality showed that seals died due to pollutants. Lots of chemical substances can accumulate in water. They worsen the general condition of the body, weakening the immune system. This can lead to the death of animals,’ said Zh. Sydykova.
Specialists from CAIER are collecting biological samples from the seals, as well as water and soil samples from the place where they died, which will be analysed in the institute’s laboratories.
The results of this autumn incident researches will probably expand the list of reasons why the unique species, endemic to the Caspian die en masse. Due to the fault of man, balancing on the brink of survival, defenseless against his omnipotence.
‘The Caspian seal is an indicator of cruelty,’ summed up what he saw on Tyub-Karagan Mirgaliy Baimukanov, a biologist, Director of IHE.
In Lada’s photo: A specialist from IHE examines a dead Caspian seal, the Tyub-Karagan Peninsula, Kazakhstan, October, 2024.