Dozens more dead seals have been found on the Kazakh shores of the Caspian Sea, adding to the hundreds already discovered to have died with no clear cause identified. According to Nurlybek Ghaisin, head of the Ural-Caspian fisheries inspection, another 79 dead seals were found on November 7, adding to the more than 500 dead seals found over the past two weeks. Caspian seals, the only marine mammals in the Caspian Sea, have seen their population decline from over a million in the early 20th century to around 70,000 due to pollution and overhunting. Samples from seal carcasses and sea water have been sent to multiple laboratories for analysis, including tests for potential infectious diseases. Preliminary findings reveal that most of the dead seals were young and pregnant, suggesting an early and sudden death. Local residents also reported dead birds and sturgeons along the shore. Results from further testing are expected by the end of November. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, click here.
Dozens More Dead Seals Found Along Caspian Coast In Kazakhstan
Caspian seals are the only marine mammals in the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water. Once numbering over a million in the early 20th century, their population has now dwindled to an estimated 70,000 due to overhunting and pollution. (file photo)