Azerbaijan warns that Caspian Sea levels continue to drop, causing damage to habitats and the economy. Lower water levels now disrupt ports, cut oil shipments, and threaten wildlife and trade. Deputy Ecology Minister Rauf Hajiyev told Reuters that the sea has fallen 0.93 meters in five years, 1.5 meters in ten years, and 2.5 meters in thirty years. Rauf estimates the current decline at about 20–30 cm per year. He says retreating coastlines change natural conditions, hurt local economies, and damage habitats.

Source: India Today

Ports and Oil Shipments Strained

Lower depth makes it harder for ships to enter Baku and reduces cargo capacity. The Dubendi oil terminal handled 810,000 tonnes of oil in the first half of 2025, down from 880,000 tonnes a year earlier. Port authorities say the fall forces frequent dredging.

In 2024, teams removed more than 250,000 cubic metres of sediment at Dubendi. A new dredger, the Engineer Soltan Kazimov, will deepen channels to 18 metres to help large tankers and keep trade flowing.

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Nature and People at Risk

Source: Astana Times

Approximately 4 million people reside on Azerbaijan’s coast, and around 15 million live in the broader Caspian region. Hajiyev warns that wetlands, lagoons, and reed beds are disappearing. Sturgeon have lost up to 45% of their summer and autumn habitats and now face barriers to traditional river spawning grounds.

Caspian seals also face severe losses: a 5-metre fall can erase about 81% of breeding sites, and a 10-metre drop would leave almost no suitable sites.

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Regional Response and Causes

A Russia–Azerbaijan working group met in April and plans to approve an online monitoring and response programme in September. Russia points to climate change as a primary driver.

Azerbaijan also blames dams on the Volga River, which supply about 80% of the water entering the Caspian. Officials say shallower waters already raise logistics costs and force ports to invest in dredging and new equipment.

Azerbaijan is pressing for fast action because Caspian Sea levels continue to drop. The joint programme and dredging aim to limit harm if the Caspian Sea levels continue to drop further.

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Summary Table: Key Facts and Stats

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