Ashgabat, 11 May 2010. In the period from 28 April to 6 of May Hazar reserve with the help of UNDP, GEF and the Ministry of Nature Protection of Turkmenistan “Conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity of global significance in Hazar nature reserve on the Caspian sea coast” conducted two expeditions on monitoring the level of the Caspian sea with the aim to collect data on the current state of the reserve’ landscape, changing due to regression of the sea level.

The objective necessity of such works were the unique feature of the Caspain sea, characterized by multi-year, seasonal (depending on season) and depending on weather sea level fluctuations leading to changes of it’s coast.

In the course of the expedition Bekowich tail, Bay of Bekowich and Osushnyi island in Turkmenbashi bay were monitored. During the second expedition the northern part of Turkmenbashi and Balhan bays as well as Dagada and Baklaniy islands were monitored. In order to conduct these expeditions motor boats, automobiles, scientific and field equipment purchased by Hazar project were used.

Expeditions were carried out in difficult meteorological conditions: precipitations, winds, low temperature and required from it’s participants not only special scientific training but also significant physical efforts. For example, in order to get the contour of the Dagada Island the route has made at least 20 km.

In the result of the expedition the processes of changes of coastal line and islands within the Hazar reserve were recorded. For instance, it was found out that due to regression of the sea there is a tendency of shallowing of northern and southern territories of the reserve. According to scientists in the nearest decades this will lead to revival of Osushnyi island on the south and merging with land on north with Dagada island in particular. The given changes will reflect on zoning of reserve’s biodiversity.

It is commonly known that birds use islands as safe places for nesting. Merging of northern territories with land will lead to penetration of four-leg vultures eating nestling, this in it’s turn would make birds to shift nestling center to reviving island of Osushny, where thousands of birds, and seal rockery of our endemic – the Caspian seal will appear.

With development of ecotorism in Turkmenistan, including scientific tourism, the results of scientific expeditions, carried out with the help of Hazar project, would allow scientists to give data on localization of reserve’ fauna, as well as to develop recommendations as in which seasons holding of touristic excursions are possible in order not to disturb birds during their reproduction.

The obtained during the expeditions data would allow to make forecasts, necessary for planning construction in coastal zone of the Caspian taking into account changes of it’s level.