Shrinking Caspian Sea

A June 2026 study has warned that the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest landlocked inland water body, is shrinking rapidly due to declining river inflows and increased evaporation caused by climate change.

• Reduced inflows are mainly attributed to dams, river diversion projects, and excessive water withdrawal.
• The study also notes that the average sea surface temperature of the Caspian has increased by about 1°C since the mid-20th century, accelerating ecological changes.

About the Caspian Sea

• The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed inland water body on Earth, covering approximately 371,000 sq km.
• Although called a sea, it is generally regarded as the world’s largest lake because it is not connected to any ocean.
• It contains saline (salt) water and is fed by about 130 rivers.
• The Volga River (Russia) contributes nearly 80% of the total freshwater inflow.
• It lies between Europe and Asia and has a coastline of about 6,819 km.
• The five littoral (coastal) countries are:
  • Russia
  • Kazakhstan
  • Turkmenistan
  • Iran
  • Azerbaijan

Ecological Importance

• According to the United Nations, the Caspian Sea is home to 90% of the world’s remaining sturgeon species, many of which are threatened.
• Shrinking water levels are affecting river deltas, making it difficult for sturgeon to migrate upstream for breeding.

Tehran Convention

• The Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, also known as the Tehran Convention, was signed in 2003 by all five littoral states.
• It provides a framework for the environmental protection, sustainable use, and multilateral management of the Caspian Sea ecosystem.

Sources: ToI, IE & UN

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