Caspian Sea lost area the size of Albania in 30 years, study finds
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The Caspian Sea has lost an area equivalent to Albania over the past three decades, according to a study cited by Zakon.kz. The shrinkage threatens coastal ecosystems and infrastructure in Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan.
The Scale of Loss
The Caspian Sea has shrunk by approximately 28,000 square kilometers since the 1990s, an area comparable to Albania. The study attributes the decline primarily to reduced inflow from the Volga River and increased evaporation due to rising temperatures. Water levels have dropped by nearly 1.5 meters in some coastal zones.
Regional Impact
Kazakhstan's Caspian coastline has receded significantly, affecting ports like Aktau and Bautino. The shallowing waters disrupt shipping routes and threaten the habitat of endemic species such as the Caspian seal. In Iran, coastal wetlands have dried up, exacerbating dust storms.
What's Next
The five littoral states are scheduled to meet in October to discuss coordinated water management. It remains unclear whether they will agree on binding measures to slow the sea's retreat.
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Caspian Sea lost area the size of Albania in 30 years, study finds
