According to KhabarOnline, the condition of Iran’s marine ecosystems has been affected in recent years by various factors, including unregulated coastal development, industrial and oil pollution, overfishing, and the consequences of climate change. In this context, we spoke with Shahram Fadakar, the Director General of the Marine Ecosystems and Coasts Office at the Department of Environment, about the status of the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Caspian Sea, the main challenges facing these water bodies, and strategies for their protection.
Your assessment of the current status of Iran’s marine ecosystems, particularly the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Caspian Sea, is what? The reality is that the country’s marine ecosystems are under multiple pressures. The exploitation of aquatic resources in recent years has shown a trend indicating that many marine stocks have decreased. An examination of statistics from the past 10 to 20 years also confirms that some of these ecosystems have not been able to fully recover, and as a result, their ecological services are gradually diminishing. On the other hand, development along the country’s coasts, especially in the north, has restricted public access to the shores. Extensive construction, population growth, land-use changes, and the encroachment of coastal areas each pose significant challenges to the marine environment.
The most critical environmental threats to the country’s seas include oil pollution, excessive fishing and resource exploitation, energy industry development, vessel traffic, and the impacts of climate change. In the Persian Gulf, due to the high concentration of industrial and energy activities, environmental pressures are very serious. The Sea of Oman has better conditions than the Persian Gulf; however, recent studies indicate that this water body is not entirely free from pollution. Although the scale of development in this region is not yet comparable to that of the Persian Gulf, it is essential to recognize that every ecosystem has a specific carrying capacity, and we should not assume that unlimited exploitation is possible.
In the Caspian Sea, in addition to pollution, climate change and declining water levels are considered significant challenges. This phenomenon has extensive consequences for the coasts, habitats, and economic activities dependent on the sea. What should be done to save marine ecosystems? For each sea, planning must be tailored to its specific conditions. In the Persian Gulf, the most important issue is controlling new developments and enhancing environmental standards for established industries. Industries must utilize modern technologies and global standards to reduce pollution and environmental damage. Additionally, the restoration of damaged habitats should be prioritized using the latest scientific methods. We have had successful experiences in this area that demonstrate the positive outcomes of implementing restoration programs.
One of the most significant gaps is the weakness in the field of protection and monitoring. We must use modern technologies for continuous monitoring of the seas and enhance protective capacities. How do you assess the status of the Sea of Oman? There is still a suitable opportunity for course correction regarding the Sea of Oman. Many developmental plans proposed for the Makran coasts need to be re-evaluated. It is necessary to reassess the necessity of these plans, the environmental capacities of the region, and their climatic consequences. While extensive development has not yet occurred in this area, the infrastructure is taking shape. Therefore, now is the best time to revise standards, reassess capacities, and prevent the repetition of mistakes that have occurred in some other coastal areas of the country.
The Caspian Sea; a victim of coastal encroachment and climate change faces a series of challenges. The decline in water levels due to climate change and drought is one of the most significant challenges. On the other hand, a large portion of the shores of this sea has been affected by construction and land-use changes in recent years. Today, if you travel along the shores of the Caspian, public access to the beach has become very limited in many areas. Furthermore, the rivers that flow into the Caspian are often impacted by various human interventions, and it is rare to find a river that reaches the sea without damage and pollution.
Why are we still not witnessing the widespread establishment of real-time monitoring systems in sensitive marine areas? Some of these actions are underway, and it cannot be said that no activity has taken place. Certain industries and organizations are utilizing monitoring systems; however, the reality is that these efforts are insufficient. Given the increasing environmental pressures, the development of industrial activities, and the rise of pollutants, monitoring systems need to expand further and provide more comprehensive coverage of sensitive and industrial areas.
What is the status of valuable marine species, including sea turtles, mangrove forests, and marine mammals? Specific national programs have been developed for the protection of endangered species. National action plans are being implemented for sea turtles and other valuable species, and some actions are also being pursued at the regional level through international cooperation. Specialized studies are ongoing for certain species, and it is anticipated that by the end of the year, a significant portion of the planned executive actions will be completed.
What is the latest status of assessing environmental damage caused by the war in the Persian Gulf? In all wars around the world, the environment is one of the most vulnerable victims. Regarding the damage inflicted on the marine environment, investigations are still ongoing, and a final summary has not yet been completed. Experts from the Department of Environment are conducting field studies, examining satellite images, and precisely assessing the affected areas. In some regions, access for specialized assessments has only recently become available after the end of critical conditions, and for this reason, the study process continues. Once the assessments are completed and the expert reports finalized, the results will be officially announced by the Department of Environment.
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