# Caspian Sea Shrinks, New Island Emerges

> New island forms in shrinking Caspian Sea as water levels drop.
- Title: Caspian Sea Shrinks, New Island Emerges · euronews | Shortify
- Summary: New island forms in shrinking Caspian Sea as water levels drop. New islands are emerging in the Caspian Sea due to falling water levels from climate change…
- Keywords: caspian sea, kazakhstan, river inflow, water level, climate change, human activity, caspian seal, wetlands, fisheries, coastal infrastructure, news, world
- Source: euronews — https://euronews.com/2026/10/07/the-caspian-sea-has-been-shrinking-for-decades-now-a-new-island-has-emerged
- Author: Meruyert Zhakiyanova
- Published: 2026-10-07T05:02:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: caspian sea, kazakhstan, river inflow, water level, climate change, human activity, caspian seal, wetlands, fisheries, coastal infrastructure, news, world
## Caspian Sea Shrinks
The Caspian Sea, the world's largest landlocked body of water, has been shrinking for decades.
## Water Levels Drop
Water levels fell from -26.82 metres in 1996 to -29.27 metres in 2025, a decline of 2.45 metres over 30 years.
## New Island Emerges
Volunteer Daniyar Akimzhanov spotted a new island near Kulaly Island during recent aerial surveys.
## Island Growth
New islands stretch up to one kilometre in length and 200 to 300 metres in width, with wildlife adapting.
## Seal Habitat Shrinks
Caspian seal haul-out sites have decreased 15-fold since 1995 due to retreating sea levels.
## Seals Face Threats
Seals are pushed westward as sea retreats, facing more human activity and warmer winters.
## Coastal Impact
Shrinking waters threaten wetlands, fisheries, ports, and shipping infrastructure across the Caspian Sea.
## Future Decline
Climate models predict up to eight metres of sea level drop by 2100, exposing 77,000 square kilometres of seabed.
## Regional Action
Kazakhstan proposed an interstate program to conserve Caspian water resources and five states work on a 2026-2036 action plan.
## What Happens Next
Coordinated action by all five Caspian states is needed to slow sea level decline and adapt to its effects.
## Key takeaway

New islands are emerging in the Caspian Sea due to falling water levels from climate change and human activity.