Water Quality Monitoring and Action Plan for Areas of Pollution Concern in the Caspian Sea 

Unique ecology endangered by human activities

The degradation of the Caspian Sea environmental quality is related to a number of factors such as air, water and sediment quality and damage to ecosystems due to human activities. Extraction and transport of hydrocarbon deposits under the Caspian seabed carry a constant risk of accidental pollution. Because of the enormous gas and oil reserves, geopolitical and economic interests in the region are high.

Urban and industrial developments along the coastline and residuals of agricultural and industrial activities in the river basins draining to the Sea have led to the present situation.

Design of remedial actions

Industry is mainly centred on a number of currently recognized Areas of Pollution Concern. However, detailed knowledge of water quality and pollution issues are hindered by lack of appropriate and accurate data.

Current knowledge as to the actual causes for pollution is based on rough and incomplete estimates of pollution loads and environmental quality. Surveys and investigations to establish reliable data and knowledge of the processes are thus essential parts in the project.

Having established documented cause-effect relationships, the project will identify and design appropriate remedial actions and optimal allocation of funds.