Ashgabat, 24 June 2010 - The Hazar Nature Reserve conducted a survey of nested fauna from 14 to 18 June 2010 in the northern section of the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea to identify the species composition and number of nesting birds. As a result of survey, there have been identified nesting of 32 species of birds belonging to 10 different orders. Among these species there are birds the hunting for which should be strictly regulated.

The survey covered the vast territory stretching from Suwe Cape to Tarta Cape, including the coastline, salt lakes on the southern tip of Suwe Cape, and coastal sands. Much attention was paid to rare and protected species, who are subject to amateur hunting – great cormorants, Common Shelduck and Chukar.

The results of survey will be also used for practical work with representatives of the Turkmen Society of Hunters and Fishermen on the efficient use of biological resources of the Caspian Sea - based on the number of bird species in the northern sector of the Caspian Sea there will be determined quotas for their shooting. In addition, the results of survey provide a good information base for the staff of Hazar Nature Reserve in conducting scientific and advocacy work among the population of Balkan province of Turkmenistan.

The survey of nested fauna was carried out within the framework of UNDP/GEF Project "Conservation and Sustainable Use of Globally Significant Biological Diversity in Hazar Nature Reserve on the Caspian Sea Coast" implemented jointly with the Ministry of Nature Protection of Turkmenistan.