About 100 dead seals wash up on the Caspian shore in Kazakhstan

About 100 dead seals have been found on the Caspian Sea coast in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region, the country’s fisheries committee said.

The carcasses were discovered on April 17 in the Tupkaragan district. Officials said strong westerly winds had washed the bodies ashore.

An interagency task force has been set up to determine the cause of death. Environmental officials, veterinary services, police and scientific organisations have been sent to the site.

Specialists will collect samples, carry out tests and arrange disposal of the carcasses in line with regulations.

According to the Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology, the seals died more than a month ago, but their bodies reached the shore only now because of storm conditions.