Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea is home to 15 distinct orders of fish, the majority of which are commercially valuable species such as Russian and Persian sturgeon, beluga, bream, and roach. This was informed by Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Environmental Protection, Turkmenportal.com reports.
Migration Patterns and Seasonal Behavior
Marine fish in the Caspian are not restricted to a fixed area. Their habitats shift seasonally, driven by spawning, feeding, and overwintering patterns. In addition, periodic fluctuations in the Caspian Sea's water level play a role in shaping ecological conditions and fish distribution.
Life Cycle and Spawning Habits
Species such as sturgeon, sterlet, bream, and carp rely on freshwater rivers flowing into the sea for reproduction. Juveniles hatch and grow in these rivers before migrating into the open sea. Conversely, other fish — including mullet, certain bream species, and grayling — remain in the saline waters of the open Caspian and spawn there.
Marine Conservation Efforts
Among Turkmenistan’s nine state nature reserves, the Khazar Nature Reserve stands out as the only marine-protected area, with 70% of its territory comprising open sea. The reserve conducts regular monitoring of marine biodiversity, including the identification of new fish species and the implementation of protective measures for migratory fish.
These initiatives are part of Turkmenistan’s broader commitment to safeguarding the marine ecosystem of the Caspian and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its aquatic biodiversity.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 24, 2025