Scientists predict extinction of Caspian seal

Scientists predict an unfavorable development of ice processes for the Caspian seal and the possibility of repetition of mass extinction of the only mammal in the Caspian this year and in the years to come. This was announced at an ecological seminar in Astrakhan in late January.

It was indicated that the death of seals in 2000 was connected with gas-dump on the Tengiz field on April 28. After the incident, Kazakh Minister for Environment and Natural Resources S. Daukeyev addressed the “TengizChevroil” executives, pointing out excessive gas releases due to obsolescence of equipment.

According to scientists, the double impact of oil and pesticide pollution has brought about changes in the immune system of 75% of animals: the combined effect of insecticides, pesticides and oil pollution substantially exceeds their separate impact. Scholars say tens of thousands of seals, or 7-8% of their population, died in the Caspian in 2000.

Beginning from the 30s, as a result of control-free hunting, 200,000 species perished a year, leading to a halved population of Caspian seals in the 20th century. 65.8% of female seals are infertile.

It was highlighted at the seminar that there are no exact data as to the seal population of the Caspian with the last count held 11 years ago. At present, there is no money even for aerial photo shooting.*