(Interfax) - Massive deaths of sturgeon have been reported in the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea.
The dead fish were spotted by experts of the National Security Committee's border service from a helicopter which had circled the area.
They established that some 800 sturgeon of various species and 72 seals had been washed onto the shore near the oilfield Kalamkas in Mangistau region, the Khabar television station reported on Tuesday evening.
A probe has been launched into the massive deaths of fish and seals. A disease or the impact of the nearby oilfield is considered a possible cause of the disaster.
The Mangistau Regional Emergency Situation Department head Kazhimurat Khairushev said one of dead fish is being tested by the regional veterinary service.
Results will be received in a couple of days, Khairushev said.