According to KhabarOnline, the drying up of the Gorgan Gulf has led to an increase in dust levels, averaging 350 microns per cubic meter in Gorgan, Aq Qala, Bandar Gaz, and even cities in Mazandaran. This figure is four times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard and has resulted in a 25% increase in hospital visits due to respiratory illnesses (such as asthma, lung diseases, and pneumonia) in the year 1404.
KhabarOnline reported that the destruction of the natural ecosystems of the Gorgan Gulf has led to the extinction of freshwater fish populations (such as carp and whitefish) and wetland species (including migratory waterfowl). Studies indicate a decline in the population of freshwater fish in this region, which has not only reduced fishermen’s incomes but has also led to the destruction of one of the primary food sources in the area.
In recent years, previous governments have attempted to restore water flow to the Gulf by implementing temporary dredging projects for the canals connected to the Caspian Sea. While these efforts temporarily returned some water to the Gulf, they have not yielded satisfactory results due to the lack of planning for permanent and continuous dredging. Environmental experts emphasize that the canals connected to the Caspian Sea quickly become clogged with silt again, necessitating ongoing government intervention and the allocation of permanent funding to prevent this issue.
The Governor of Golestan, in a conversation with KhabarOnline, highlighted this matter as an ecological and economic necessity, stating that the Gorgan Gulf, as one of the regional ecosystems of the province, plays a vital role not only as a natural resource but also as an economic and environmental engine. Ali Asghar Tahmasbi stated that this ecosystem is significant not only as a natural resource but also as a tourist attraction and agricultural source.
He emphasized that saving this water body requires continuous government intervention with the allocation of permanent funding, which will not only help restore water flow to the Gulf but will also lead to a 40% reduction in dust levels, the recovery of natural ecosystems, and increased agricultural productivity in adjacent areas.
The Governor of Golestan referred to a presidential decree issued on January 5 of this year regarding the establishment of a dredging machine in the Gorgan Gulf, stating that according to this decree, the Ports and Maritime Organization is committed to implementing this plan. However, no tangible actions have been taken so far.
Tahmasbi stressed that the responsibility for inaction does not lie solely with experts; managers must also be held accountable. He asserted that the restoration of the Gorgan Gulf is a priority for Golestan province and should be pursued at the national level with the same urgency as the concerns for saving Lake Urmia.
He outlined the dangers of the Gorgan Gulf’s drying up, emphasizing that the sustainability of restoring this wetland is crucial to prevent the destruction of the Hyrcanian forests in the north, the emergence of dust storms, the devastation of orchards and farms, and the reduction of local residents’ incomes. Climate change in the region has exacerbated these risks, increasing the need for immediate action.
The First Vice President also criticized the superficial approach to watershed management and aquifer preservation, stating that the restoration of the Gorgan Gulf and the Miankaleh Wetland is a matter of national significance for the country. Mohammad Reza Aref highlighted the importance of wetland restoration, noting that the drying up of wetlands and lakes has various negative environmental impacts, thus making their restoration a priority.
He added that wetlands and lakes play a vital role for the country, yet their importance is sometimes overlooked. So far, the approach to watershed management and aquifer preservation has been superficial, resulting in the current conditions of the country’s wetlands.
A hydrology specialist and environmental expert elaborated on this issue, stating that temporary efforts have been made in recent years, but these actions have not yielded results due to the lack of planning for continuous 24-hour dredging and the absence of permanent funding. Dr. Ali Mohammadi stated that restoring the ecological balance of the Gorgan Gulf requires a sustainable and continuous dredging program with annual and permanent funding allocations.
Based on expert recommendations, implementing a permanent 24-hour dredging plan with advanced equipment and collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Environment, and the Golestan Regional Water Organization requires annual and permanent funding, which should be included in the annual budget of the fourteenth government. This funding could help establish a sustainable 24-hour dredging system.
This plan would also create over 500 direct and indirect jobs in dredging, environmental management, and tourism, particularly benefiting rural and low-income areas in Golestan, contributing to economic development and reducing surface disparities.
Furthermore, with the return of water flow to the Gorgan Gulf, new opportunities for cultural and natural tourism development in the province will arise, potentially attracting private investment and increasing local revenues. Given the strategic importance of this ecosystem, the implementation of this plan will not only help preserve the province’s environment but also contribute to sustainable development and enhance Golestan’s tourism appeal.
In this context, the President’s visit to Golestan province represents a vital opportunity for approving the necessary budget and executing the permanent dredging plan for the Gorgan Gulf, which could facilitate the allocation of the required budget for this project and aid in preserving the Gorgan Gulf ecosystem while mitigating environmental and social consequences.
