The number of dead seals in the Kazakh portion of the Caspian Sea has increased dramatically, reported Zona Kazakhstan, citing information provided by the Ministry of Emergency Affairs of the republic. Of the 801 deceased seals, 623 bodies found were among the young stock and 178 belonged to mature seals. Overall, since April 27, 77 additional dead seals were discovered, according to the Emergency Ministry.
The first incidents of mass fatality among seals in the Caspian were discovered on March 30 near the Tupkarangan region of Kazakhstan. Then a total of 21 bodies of young seals were found. The exact cause of the deaths has not yet been determined, but among the possible theories considered is the untimely melting of the icecaps in the Northern Caspian water zones. Investigation is still in progress.
This information was originally published April 29, 2007 (www.zonakz.net). -- 03.05.2007