ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS OF THE AL-FARABI SITE IN THE CASPIAN SEA

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive assessment of the spatial variability of hydrophysical, hydrochemical, and hydrobiological parameters at the Al-Farabi site in the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea, based on the results of industrial environmental monitoring conducted from June 10 to 24, 2025. The study covered 21 monitoring stations, including 14 stations within the contract area, three control stations, and four stations located in the area of seismic exploration activities. The monitoring programme examined the physicochemical characteristics of seawater, the composition and properties of bottom sediments, as well as the quantitative and qualitative indicators of plankton, benthos, and selected components of marine fauna.

Particular attention was paid to the spatial distribution of the investigated parameters and the possibility of their comparative analysis across different areas of the water body. The integrated research approach made it possible to examine the relationships between the abiotic characteristics of the marine environment and the condition of its biological components. Comparing the results obtained at operational and control stations provides an opportunity to identify local differences in the environmental characteristics of the study area. Furthermore, the combined analysis of hydrophysical and hydrochemical parameters, together with the assessment of biological communities, provides a more comprehensive understanding of the state of the marine ecosystem.