Over 100 Dead Seals Found on the Caspian Sea Coast
On Monday, authorities in the Mangystau Region of southwestern Kazakhstan received reports of numerous seal carcasses on the beach. In total, 112 dead seals were counted, marking a severe environmental incident on the Caspian Sea coast.
Details of the Discovery
Residents of the coastal town of Bautino first spotted the dead seals. The Wildlife Protection Service of the Regional Fisheries Department and the Fisheries Inspection Department stepped in to investigate the situation.
Location and Numbers
- Between the village of Asan and Fort-Shevchenko, 39 dead seals were found washed ashore.
- Between Fort-Shevchenko and Cape Bautino, 73 additional carcasses were discovered.
Response and Investigations
Epidemiological teams collected water and tissue samples from the animals for testing. Cleanup operations have begun to remove the decomposing remains.
According to initial reports from the local Department of Ecology, "the seals had been dead for at least three to four weeks, and their mass stranding on the beach was linked to a recent storm."
On November 5, 2025, the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan released a statement regarding the incident.
Environmental Significance
This is not the first ecological catastrophe affecting the Caspian Sea coastline and serves as a significant warning about the deteriorating condition of the local ecosystem.
Authorities Involved
- Wildlife Protection Service of the Regional Fisheries Department
- Fisheries Inspection Department of the Mangystau Region
- Local Department of Ecology
Author’s summary: The mass death of seals along Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea coast highlights severe environmental stresses and the urgent need to assess and protect this fragile ecosystem.