Groundbreaking Inauguration of First-Ever Caspian Seal Conservation Center
The newly opened conservation center for Caspian seals in Bojaq National Park marks a significant step toward the protection of this endangered marine mammal. Located in the Caspian Sea province of Gilan, this facility is dedicated to the conservation, treatment, and study of the Caspian seal, which is the sole marine mammal found in this region.
The inauguration of this specialized center is a milestone in the national and regional efforts aimed at safeguarding the Caspian seal. According to Ahmad-Reza Lahijanzadeh, the deputy head of the Department of Environment for Marine and Wetlands Affairs, the center is designed to become a leading veterinary and research complex focused on understanding the causes of mortality among seals.
Key initiatives of the center include:
- Training fishermen to report sightings of seals and transport injured animals to the center promptly.
- Using drones to monitor seal populations effectively.
- Encouraging the coastal community to report seal sightings or carcasses.
These actions are critical for reducing the losses of Caspian seals and enhancing their conservation efforts.
Conservation Action Plan for Caspian Seals
In recent years, environmentalists have expressed increasing concern over the rising number of seal carcasses discovered along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. This alarming trend indicates that the Caspian seal is facing a heightened risk of extinction, with its population having dwindled from approximately one million to just 70,000 today. The species is now classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
In response to this pressing issue, the Department of Environment (DOE) initiated a national action plan in November 2024 focused on the conservation of the Caspian seal. The primary goals of this plan include:
- To conserve the Caspian seal as a rare and valuable endemic species.
- To prioritize marine environmental activities aimed at protecting this endangered animal.
Another significant measure taken in this regard is the establishment of a conservation center within the Tarbiat Modarres University branch in Noor County. This initiative has fostered collaboration between the university and executive units, which is expected to yield positive results for the protection of Caspian seals in the near future.
In addition, executive working groups have been formed in collaboration with local governors and stakeholders, managed by provincial departments of environment in Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan provinces. The rescue centers in these areas are well-equipped to handle seal-related emergencies.
As part of the ongoing training initiatives, a specialized workshop has already been conducted for beneficiaries and rangers, covering essential topics such as:
- Basic rescue methods.
- Safe release protocols for recovered seals.
- Proper carcass disposal techniques.
- Accurate sample collection for research purposes.
Moreover, efforts are underway to examine seal carcasses found on beaches to determine the causes of mortality, in collaboration with neighboring countries and relevant organizations. The situation of the Caspian seal is critical, and it is evident that Iran’s efforts alone are insufficient for their conservation. It requires coordinated actions among neighboring countries, including Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan.
International Collaboration for Conservation
The upcoming Seventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, known as COP 7, will take place in Tehran and is expected to focus on the preservation of the Caspian seal. During a recent coordination meeting aimed at discussing conservation efforts for this species, Shina Ansari, the head of the DOE, emphasized the urgency of prioritizing conservation efforts given the recent losses of seals and their precarious status.
Ultimately, the establishment of the specialized center in Bojaq National Park is a vital step forward in the ongoing battle to protect the Caspian seal from extinction. With collaborative efforts from various stakeholders and the community, there is hope for the future of this unique species in the Caspian Sea.
