The Caspian Seal, a Valuable Heritage of the Caspian Sea
The Caspian seal is the only mammal of the Caspian Sea and one of the smallest seal species in the world. This valuable species is considered a natural symbol of the Caspian and part of the heritage of northern Iran. By feeding on fish and small aquatic organisms, the Caspian seal plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the Caspian ecosystem. However, according to the IUCN, it is listed as an endangered species and requires urgent protection.
Over the past century, the Caspian seal population has dropped from about 1.5 million to fewer than 70,000 individuals. This 95% decline, considering the ecological importance of this endangered species, has raised deep concern among experts and environmental advocates.
According to statistics published in local media, more than 150 seal deaths have been recorded in the past five years. Errors in reporting and discrepancies in the actual mortality rate are not unlikely. What is concerning, however, is that despite the establishment of the Caspian Seal Research and Rescue Center in Anzali, and cooperation with international organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), no official cause of death has been determined for any of these seals, and no preventive measures have been introduced by the Department of Environment or other relevant institutions.
Official statistics provided by authorities:
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2020 (1399): 15 to 20 individuals
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2021 (1400): 15 to 20 individuals
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2022 (1401): Around 30 individuals
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2023 (1402): Around 30 individuals
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2024 (1403): At least 22 individuals
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2025 (1404, up to June 8): 36 individuals
The Caspian seal, along with other marine life in the Caspian ecosystem, faces several threats, including hunting, oil and industrial pollution, entanglement and suffocation in fishing nets, climate change and the decline of winter ice, destruction of coastal habitats due to uncontrolled development, depletion of food resources, viral and bacterial diseases (including distemper, which has previously been recorded in other parts of the Caspian), and the lowering of the Caspian Sea water level. Addressing these threats requires scientific knowledge and responsible management. Unfortunately, mismanagement and the pursuit of profit-driven economic projects in the region have already led to yet another environmental disaster in Iran.
Relevant international and national frameworks include:
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The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
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The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (Articles 7 and 8)
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The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) (Articles 2 and 3)
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The Ramsar Convention
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The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Article 50: Environmental protection is a public duty. This principle emphasizes that safeguarding nature is not only a responsibility toward the present generation but also for future generations. Any economic or human activity that causes pollution or irreversible environmental damage is prohibited.
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UNESCO 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:
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Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation
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Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development
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Goal 15: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss
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Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran
Defense of Environment Committee
Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin
