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2010年度　第1回　イリプロジェクト講演会
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[日時] 2010年11月4日　15：00-17：00
[場所] 総合地球環境学研究所・セミナー室3・4　アクセス

[演者]
N. Aladin, I. Plotnikov
（Zoological Institute of RAS, St. Petersburg, Russia）

[演題]
Unique biological resources and unique biodiversity of the Caspian Sea at present and in the past

[要旨]

The Caspian Sea is the world's largest lake and one of the most ancient lakes. It is the remnant of Paratethys. The whole Caspian area can be divided by three
parts differing in hydrology. An important feature great diversity of physico-chemical conditions. Salinity differs in different parts of the lake. Recent biodiversity
reflects the story of Palaeo-Caspian transgressions and regressions followed by freshening and salinization. Four main components form the present biodiversity
of the Caspian Sea: Caspian, Arctic, Atlantic and Mediterranean, fresh-water. Biodiversity began increase after building the Volga-Don canal due to invasions
with boat ballast water or in biofouling. At the end of the 20th century ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi has invaded the Caspian Sea. In 2000 it was numerous in
the Middle and Southern and appeared in the Northern Caspian. Due to recent Mnemiopsis invasion we have a great risk for Caspian Sea ecosystem. This
organism could harvest nearly all plan
kton and due to this all ecosystem could collapse. In waters of Azerbaijan nearly all endemic Onychopoda already disappeared because of predation.
Introduction of Beroe ovata to prevent catastrophe is discussed. Recent environmental problems in the Caspian Sea are also discussed. There are detected
the following threats: pollution due to oil and gas excavation and transportation, agricultural activities, industrial activities, military activities; exotic species
introduction; overfishing and pouching; rivers regulation; sea level fluctuation; climate change, etc. Future perspectives of improving Caspian Sea environment
including expected future development of fisheries, industry, agriculture, recreation and other activities are discussed.