MAKHACHKALA, August 6 – RIA "Dagestan". Scientists of the Precaspian Institute of Biological Resources have documented a near-three-meter drop in Caspian Sea level since 1995, attributing the decline to global warming, diminished river inflow and human activities including wastewater discharge and unregulated fishing.
According to researcher Dzhamilya Ustarbekova, these factors constitute a severe ecological crisis disrupting historical biotic assemblages, with the predatory ctenophore Mnemiopsis causing over 60% declines in key fish stocks by consuming plankton and larvae, although the specialist predator Beroe ovata may help restore balance.
Detailed analysis of more than 800 common pikeperch specimens from 2022–2025 shows adaptive responses such as altered vertebral counts, seasonal gut morphology changes and flexible feeding habits that support ecosystem stability, yet experts stress that conservation requires upgraded aquaculture infrastructure to compensate for habitat loss and falling commercial yields.