The Caspian Sea has recorded a noticeable drop in water levels, shrinking by one meter and fourteen centimeters over the past ten years. This finding was disclosed by Mukhtar Babayev, who serves as head of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, through a report attributed to RIA News. The trend in water decline is part of a broader pattern observed along the Caspian coast, drawing attention from researchers, policymakers, and environmental managers across the region.
During a recent gathering of an expert group focused on identifying the drivers behind shifts in Caspian water levels and developing practical adaptation measures, Babayev emphasized the seriousness of the situation. The discussion highlighted how the sea’s evolving environment could affect coastal infrastructure, shipping safety, fisheries, and the broader regional economy. The expert group is charged with analyzing hydrological data, regional climatic trends, and potential human impacts to craft a coherent strategy for water basin management that can be adopted by all Caspian littoral states.
According to the minister, the Caspian Sea has fallen by approximately 69 centimeters over the last five years alone. This rapid change has spurred Azerbaijan to advocate for a formal, collaborative assessment that brings together multiple governments and scientific communities. The aim is to build a shared body of knowledge and to generate actionable recommendations that can guide water resource planning, environmental protection, and cross-border cooperation in the Caspian basin. The initiative underscores the need for transparent data sharing, standardized monitoring, and joint decision making as the region adapts to a shifting hydrological regime.
Babayev noted that other Caspian nations have joined the effort, signaling a regional recognition that water level dynamics require a coordinated response. Collaborative work among the littoral states is expected to address not only the current decline but also future scenarios shaped by climate variability, sedimentation patterns, and river inflow changes. The collective approach aims to align national policies with basin-wide goals for sustainable water management and resilient maritime operations in the Caspian Sea.
Earlier this year, concerns were voiced by the All-Russian Research Institute of Civil Defense and Emergencies within the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Officials warned of potential risks to maritime activities as water levels receded, including navigation challenges and the possibility of incidents on ships operating in the Caspian. This warning has reinforced the urgency of joint risk assessment, improved berthing conditions for vessels, and enhanced monitoring of sea level fluctuations across the region. The advisory highlights the practical implications of changing hydrology for safety protocols, port operations, and maritime logistics in all Caspian states.
In related regional developments, Kazakhstan has reported anxiety over the shallowing of the Ural River, a development that could influence the Caspian watershed through altered river input and sediment transport. The interconnected nature of these water systems means that shifts in one area can ripple through the entire basin, affecting water availability, ecological balance, and coastal stability. The evolving situation calls for adaptive management strategies that can respond to both short-term variability and long-term trends in water supply and environmental health.
As the expert group advances its work, analysts anticipate a clear framework for monitoring, data sharing, and joint decision making. The goal is to equip policymakers with the tools they need to safeguard maritime safety, protect sensitive ecosystems, and maintain stable economic activity around Caspian resources. Stakeholders expect the development of shared guidelines for water basin governance, inclusive of climate adaptation measures, disaster risk reduction, and proactive infrastructure planning for coastal communities and shipping routes. The dialogue underscores a forward-looking regional approach that treats the Caspian Sea as a dynamic system requiring coordinated stewardship across borders and sectors.