Information on the death of seals

In spring, when stormy north-westerly and westerly winds begin, the annual removal of dead carcasses of Caspian seals on the coast of the Caspian Sea is celebrated.
From the beginning of this year to May 30, 219 carcasses of dead seals were found on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
All the found seal carcasses were in the stage of severe decomposition, as a result of which it is not possible to take tissue samples for toxicological, histological and virological studies. Therefore, it can be assumed that their death occurred in the winter.
The discovered carcasses are disposed of by the forces of the Zhaiyk-Caspian interregional basin inspection of fisheries and the local executive body in compliance with sanitary standards.
According to employees of specialized scientific organizations, the results of research, as well as the alleged causes of animal deaths, are planned to be announced in June of this year, following which the issue of making appropriate decisions will be considered.
By the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated November 9, 2020, the Caspian seal is included in the List of Rare and Endangered species of plants or animals.
In support of the efforts of scientific organizations, in September 2021, during the XVII Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia, the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Russian Federation signed a Joint Action Plan for the conservation of the Caspian seal population for 2021-2026 (hereinafter – the Joint Plan).
Based on the results of joint research, within the framework of the Joint Plan, Kazakhstan Agency of Applied Ecology LLP, Scientific and Production Center of Fisheries LLP and the Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, it is planned to develop additional measures for the conservation of the Caspian seal, one of which is the creation of a special protected natural area for the preservation of habitats and breeding of the Caspian seal.
At the same time, in August 2019, the first Center for the Study and Rehabilitation of the Caspian seal in Kazakhstan was opened in Aktau at the expense of extra-budgetary funds. The center is engaged in the treatment and rehabilitation of sick and injured seals and their subsequent release into the habitat – the Caspian Sea. To date, the Center has managed to cure and return more than 40 seal individuals to their natural habitat.