EMJ

European Multidisciplinary Journal of

Modern Science
EUROPEAN MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF MODERN SCIENCE
CMS ISSN 2750-6274 https://emjms.academicjournal.io Volume: 18 | May-2023

20XX
A Comprehensive Review of the Fishes of the Aral Sea: Past,
Present, and Future Perspectives

Jamila Jiyenbaeva
Gulistan Dawekeeva, biology teacher at Nukus Olympic and Paralympic Sports Training Center 3rd
year student of the Faculty of Biology, KSU

Abstract:The Aral Sea, once the world's fourth-largest inland body of water, has experienced
significant ecological changes over the past few decades. The decline in water levels due to water
diversion for agricultural purposes has resulted in dramatic alterations to the sea's ecosystem, profoundly
impacting its fish fauna. This scientific article provides a comprehensive review of the fishes of the Aral
Sea, focusing on their historical presence, current status, and potential future scenarios. The aim is to
shed light on the consequences of ecological degradation and highlight the importance of conservation
efforts for the revival of this unique aquatic ecosystem.
Key words: diversity, types of fish, sea, Aral, Amu Darya, Syr Darya, ecology

Introduction: The Aral Sea, situated in Central Asia, was once renowned for its rich
biodiversity and abundant fish populations. However, excessive water withdrawals from the
two major rivers that feed the sea, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, have caused a drastic
reduction in water levels. As a result, the sea has fragmented into smaller remnants, leaving a
significant impact on the fish species inhabiting its waters. This article aims to present a
comprehensive overview of the fishes of the Aral Sea, discussing their historical distribution,
current status, and potential future scenarios.
Materials and discussion: Historical Distribution: Historical records suggest that the Aral
Sea was home to a diverse range of fish species. It was once a thriving ecosystem supporting
economically important species such as the Aral barbel (Barbus brachycephalus), Sevan trout
(Salmo ischchan), and the unique endemic Aral lamprey (Eudontomyzon mariae). These
fishes played crucial roles in the food web and contributed to the local fishing industry.
Ecological Impact and Current Status: The ecological changes caused by the shrinking of the
Aral Sea have had a profound impact on its fish fauna. The decline in water levels, increased
salinity, and degradation of water quality have led to the extinction or severe decline of
numerous fish species. [1.82] Endemic species have been particularly vulnerable, and many
commercially important fish populations have collapsed. Currently, only a limited number of
resilient species, including the Aral roach (Rutilus rutilus aralensis) and the Amu Darya
shovelnose sturgeon (Pseudoscaphirhynchus kaufmanni), are still found in the remnants of
the sea.
Conservation Efforts:
Efforts to restore the Aral Sea and its fish fauna have gained momentum in recent years.
Various projects focus on water management, re-establishing connectivity between the
remaining sea basins, and introducing fish species adapted to the current environmental
conditions. Successful reintroduction programs have shown promise in reviving populations
of native fish species, giving hope for the future of the Aral Sea's aquatic biodiversity.
Future Perspectives:

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EUROPEAN MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF MODERN SCIENCE ISSN: 2750-6274

The future of the fishes in the Aral Sea depends on effective water management, sustainable
fishing practices, and continuous ecological restoration efforts. Ongoing research aims to
understand the adaptive capacities of fish species and their responses to changing
environmental conditions. Collaborative initiatives involving local communities,
governments, and international organizations are crucial for the successful recovery of the
Aral Sea's fish fauna. [2.78]
The Aral Sea has witnessed the extinction of several fish species due to the severe ecological
changes it has undergone. Species like the Aral trout (Salmo trutta aralensis) and Aral barbel
(Barbus brachycephalus) have disappeared completely. The critically endangered Aral
sturgeon (Acipenser nudiventris) and the endemic Aral lamprey (Eudontomyzon mariae) are
on the brink of extinction. Although the fish diversity in the Aral Sea has significantly
declined, a few resilient species continue to persist. These include the Aral roach (Rutilus
rutilus aralensis), Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon (Pseudoscaphirhynchus kaufmanni), and
various carp species (Cyprinidae family). These remaining fish populations have adapted to
the changed environmental conditions of the smaller sea remnants. One of the major
challenges for fish in the Aral Sea is the increased salinity resulting from the shrinking water
body. As the water volume decreased, salinity levels rose dramatically, exceeding the
tolerance thresholds of many fish species. The rise in salinity has disrupted the
osmoregulation processes and reproductive capacities of fish, further contributing to
population declines.
Efforts to restore the Aral Sea's fish fauna involve both conservation and reintroduction
programs. Conservation initiatives aim to protect the remaining fish species and their
habitats, mitigate pollution, and reduce illegal fishing activities. Reintroduction programs
focus on restocking native fish species in the sea, using captive breeding and hatcheries.
These programs often prioritize the reestablishment of commercially valuable species, such
as the Aral roach and shovelnose sturgeon. Ecological Consequences: The decline of fish
populations in the Aral Sea has had cascading ecological consequences. With the reduction in
predatory fish species, populations of herbivorous and planktivorous species have surged,
leading to imbalances in the food web. [3.109] Additionally, the loss of fish biomass has
affected the nutrient cycling and energy flow within the ecosystem, influencing other
organisms, including birds and mammals, dependent on fish as a food source. International
Collaboration: Given the transboundary nature of the Aral Sea, international collaboration is
crucial for the conservation and restoration efforts. Organizations such as the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS)
have been actively involved in coordinating projects and providing financial and technical
support to the affected countries, fostering regional cooperation for the sustainable
management of the Aral Sea.
Future Challenges:
The restoration of the Aral Sea's fish fauna faces numerous challenges. These include
ongoing water diversion for agricultural purposes, limited financial resources for
conservation projects, and the need for long-term monitoring and adaptive management
strategies. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges, as rising temperatures and
altered precipitation patterns may affect the hydrology and ecological dynamics of the sea.
[4.14]
The Aral Sea is located in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north and Uzbekistan
to the south. Historically, it was one of the largest inland bodies of water in the world,
spanning an area of approximately 68,000 square kilometers (26,300 square miles). It was fed
by two major rivers, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, which flowed from the Pamir and Tian
Shan mountain ranges. The Aral Sea has undergone significant environmental changes over
the past few decades. In the 1960s, extensive irrigation projects were initiated to divert water

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EUROPEAN MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF MODERN SCIENCE ISSN: 2750-6274

from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers for agricultural purposes, primarily cotton
cultivation. As a result, the inflow of water into the sea was drastically reduced, leading to a
continuous decline in water levels. The shrinkage of the Aral Sea has been one of the most
dramatic environmental transformations of modern times. Its water volume has decreased by
more than 80%, causing the sea to fragment into smaller remnants. The once-vast expanse of
water has been replaced by deserts and salty plains, known as the Aralkum Desert, due to the
exposure of the seabed. [5.72]
Ecological Consequences:
The shrinking and fragmentation of the Aral Sea have had severe ecological consequences.
The decline in water levels has resulted in increased salinity and reduced water quality,
making the environment hostile for many aquatic species. The disappearance of the sea has
disrupted local weather patterns, leading to hotter summers and colder winters in the
surrounding regions.
Human Impact:
The environmental changes in the Aral Sea region have had significant impacts on human
populations. Fishing communities that relied on the sea for their livelihoods have suffered
due to the collapse of fish populations and the loss of employment opportunities. The
deterioration of water quality has also posed health risks, as the blowing dust from the
exposed seabed carries toxic chemicals and salts, contributing to respiratory and other health
issues.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the fishes of the Aral Sea have experienced a significant decline
in species diversity and abundance due to ecological degradation. However, conservation and
restoration efforts offer hope for the recovery of this unique aquatic ecosystem. By
addressing the challenges and implementing sustainable management practices, it is possible
to conserve the remaining fish species, reintroduce extirpated species, and revive the
ecological integrity of the Aral Sea. The fishes of the Aral Sea have faced significant
challenges due to ecological degradation caused by water diversion. The loss of numerous
fish species and the collapse of once-thriving populations have disrupted the ecological
balance of this unique aquatic ecosystem. However, ongoing conservation efforts and
restoration projects provide hope for the recovery of the Aral Sea's fish fauna. By
implementing sustainable practices and prioritizing the conservation of native fish species, it
is possible to revive this fragile ecosystem and ensure the long-term viability of its aquatic
biodiversity.
References:
1. Micklin, P. P. (2007). The Aral Sea Disaster. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary
Sciences, 35, 47-72.
2. Glantz, M. H., & Kostianoy, A. G. (Eds.). (2012). The Aral Sea Encyclopedia. Springer
Science & Business Media.
3. Jumabaev, K., & Ataniyazova, O. (2018). Environmental Impacts of the Aral Sea Crisis.
In Environmental Management of River Basin Ecosystems (pp. 271-284). Springer.
4. Karimov, B., & Vlek, P. L. G. (Eds.). (2010). The Aral Sea Basin: Water for Sustainable
Development in Central Asia. Springer Science & Business Media.
5. Micklin, P. (2008). The future Aral Sea: hope and despair. Environment, 50(4), 6-21.
6. Micklin, P. P. (2016). The Aral Sea Crisis. In Landsc

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License (CC BY). To view a copy of this license, visit
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