March 2, 2006
by Pamela McLaren

Deep in the waters of the Caspian Sea, sturgeon used to be plentiful. The world's largest inland body of water was once the primary and most abundant source of caviar — a distinction that it can no longer boast.

According to Morteza Rahmatian, chair and professor of economics, production of caviar from the Caspian has dropped by 75 percent, primarily because of illegal poaching of sturgeon and pollution.

Late last year, the economist traveled to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, as part of a United Nations team that met with environmental protection officials from the countries that surround the Caspian Sea: Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.

"Our task was to share information on environmental management issues, pollution, biodiversity and related issues," said Rahmatian, whose research specialization is resource and environmental economics. "We discussed how to develop and enforce regulations; sources, types and impacts of pollution; and alternative supports for those who are poaching sturgeon.

"We also shared a message: the cost of current behavior is exceeding what the region and the sea can handle."

The five-day workshop was but one of several that Rahmatian has conducted or participated in for either the U.N. and/or World Bank. About 10 years ago, Rahmatian conducted a study for Iran. It was just after Saddam Hussein had been forced out of Kuwait. "When Saddam retreated, he set fire to several oil fields. It created enormous pollution that spread to 17 other countries."

Iran asked Rahmatian to estimate the environmental damage the incident caused. His effort came to the attention of the World Bank and the U.N.
Prior to his November visit to Turkmenistan, Rahmatian traveled to Tehran where the issue was, once again, pollution and its health impact.

"Tehran has now become the No. 1 polluted city, rather than Mexico City," he said, adding that 65 percent of Tehran's pollution comes from vehicles — often older, less fuel-efficient models — and 35 percent from industry. Like the talk in Turkmenistan, there was discussion of what the issues are and ways of improving the situation.

"In both situations, the countries recognize that something must be done," stressed Rahmatian. "But because of circumstances in these countries, I don't see much to be positive about."

In Iran, the problem persists due to a combination of old vehicles, low-quality gasoline and lack of enforcement of air quality rules and regulations established by the Iranian EPA, he noted.

In the Caspian Sea region, the problem is one of poverty. "The Caspian Sea is a common resource for those countries that surround it. They have to share ownership and care of this vital commodity," said Rahmatian. "Unfortunately, only two of the five countries are in a financially stable position. The other countries are poor. They can't afford to contribute what it would take monetarily to properly regulate, maintain and manage their share of the Caspian's assets — at least on the same level as their neighbors. Discussions are well and good, but they are not enough.

"Unless an international body offers financial support — not much that can be done, will be done."

« back to News Front