Caspian: Atyrau Fishers Sounding Alarm

The fish population in the Atyrau region is rapidly declining. Fishers and environmentalists report that the region's water resources have been greatly affected by the shallowing of the Caspian Sea, changes in river beds, and spring floods. An Orda.kz correspondent spoke with them.

At a Loss

Amangeldy Borashuly has been fishing for over 30 years. He says catches have become incredibly fewer. Catching 200 kilograms is considered lucky.

Income does not cover the expenses. There are almost no fish, and what there was no longer enters the river. We are used to working hard, but now our efforts simply do not pay off. Previously, we pulled out tons of fish, but now we have to be happy with a measly 50-60 kilograms per day, Amangeldy Borashuly says.

The fishers say the shallowing of the Caspian Sea and the lack of flood waters have factored in.

The ecological situation is critical, and no one seems to want to solve it. We depend on water and fish, and what will happen to our families if this disappears? It will be difficult not only for us, but also for future generations if this is not stopped,Kydyr Alibekuly says.

Spring floods have flooded fishing areas, and shallow riverbeds are blocking the fish's path. Of the permitted catch limits of 15,000 tons, only 6,000 have been caught.

We've been fishing since nine in the morning. This is already the fourth attempt of the day. The results are disappointing - only 50-60 kilograms. At first, we manage to catch 100-200 kilograms, but then the fish disappear. There was a lot of water in the spring, which flooded our areas, and we were unable to fish properly, says Askar Kabesov.

Endangered Species

Fishery inspectors report that the number of fish species has also decreased. Most of the catches are fry.

There are several reasons. This is the shallowing of the Caspian Sea, the closure of channels through which fish used to pass, and the decrease in the water level. Now, the catches mainly include small fish: taban and small pike perch. Beluga, which used to be abundant, has become a rarity,
 explains Bauyrzhan Orakuly, chief inspection specialist.

The shallowing of the Caspian Sea and environmental changes pose a risk for the entire region.

Today, 18 cooperatives in Atyrau Oblast are engaged in fishing, employing about four thousand people. For many, this is the only source of income.

Without intervention, we risk completely losing fish in the Caspian Sea,  fishers warn.

Original Author: Daniel Arturov