Vadim Petrov, chairman of the public council under Roshydromet, has reported a steady decline in the water level of the Caspian Sea in recent decades. According to hydrological studies, the main reasons for this shallowing are climate change and anthropogenic impact.
"While the global sea level is rising due to melting glaciers and the expansion of warm water, the Caspian Sea, being a closed body of water with no outflow to the ocean, reacts to local climatic conditions," he explained. "Increased air temperature leads to increased evaporation, and decreased precipitation reduces river inflow. The reduction in the water surface area leads to the degradation of coastal ecosystems, the disappearance of swamps and deltas, which are habitats for many species of birds and fish. Unique species such as the Caspian seal and sturgeon are under threat due to the reduction of their habitat and changes in the food chain," the expert added.
In addition, Petrov noted that the economies of the coastal states are suffering. In particular, costs for maintaining navigation routes in the port of Aktau in Kazakhstan have increased by 30 percent over the past five years, and similar problems are observed in Azerbaijan, where costs for servicing the port of Baku have increased. The total economic losses of the Caspian Sea countries due to the shallowing of the sea can reach one billion dollars a year, he believes.
