Challenges Facing Protection Of Caspian Aquatics

Tehran, June 17, IRNA -- Over the past two decades, the Caspian Sea has become increasingly exposed to the risk of pollution from industrial and oil wastes. In an interview with Iran Dailyˈs Tuesday edition, Abdolreza Karbasi, the deputy head of Iran’s Department of Environment for marine environment, discusses the challenges facing Caspian Sea and what the littoral states can do to ameliorate the situation. Excerpts follow: Q: Oil and industrial wastes are the main pollutants of Caspian Sea. Which countries are causing the most pollution in the sea? A: Among Caspian littoral countries, Iran and Russia play a key role in dumping industrial and household wastes into the sea. In recent years, coastal population has witnessed a sharp increase, such that seven million people are currently living along its coastlines. Russia, Iran and other countries cause 80, 12 and 8 percent of industrial pollution respectively, among which Iran will have a higher percentage in the coming years, due to its industrial development. Oil and industrial pollution in Caspian Sea are mainly from Azerbaijan Republic and Russia respectively. Q: How do you evaluate Iran’s role in protecting the Caspian aquatics? A: In recent years, as per international conventions, Iran is responsible for preserving caviar resources. The country also produced 2-3 million sturgeons (Acipenseridae) and kilka (clupeonella delicatula), which are on the verge of extinction because Iran violated its fishing quota and caused an eightfold decline in the two fish. The number of Caspian seals (Pusa caspica) has also deceased sharply and reached 90,000 due to pollution. The death of several Caspian aquatics is the result of uncontrollable fishing. Q: Illegal fishing became rampant after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of new independent states. What practical strategies can curb the crisis in the Caspian Sea? A: When Iran and Russia controlled the sea, no serious crisis took place and both countries used the sea’s resources legally. The problem started when the other three littoral countries (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan) joined Iran and Russia, and started to spoil its ecosystem. A joint coastguard is necessary to create security, prevent illegal farming and reduce armed conflicts and environmental problems. Q: Iran has made and launched two marine frigates. Are they sufficient to protect the Caspian environment? A: Iran launched marine frigates in 2011, but Azerbaijan’s violations created a problem. Creating a joint fund by the littoral countries to protect the Caspian Sea’s aquatics was an Iranian proposal that has been agreed upon. Based on the proposal’s articles of agreement, every country that violates the environmental rules and regulations is obliged to pay a fine. Being the first regional legally binding instrument signed by all five Caspian littoral states, the Framework Convention for the Protection of Caspian Sea Environment serves as an overarching framework that lays down the general requirements and the institutional mechanism for environmental protection in the Caspian region./end