Is Gorgan Bay Destined to Share Lake Urmia’s Fate?
Gorgan Bay, once the blue jewel of northern Iran and a vital habitat for migratory birds and a source of livelihood for thousands of families, is now gasping for breath. Shrinking water levels, unprecedented salinity, and mass bird die-offs signal an environmental disaster in the making. Without urgent action—particularly pumping water from the Caspian Sea—this wetland could soon face the same tragic fate as Lake Urmia.
According to Salamat News, the retreat of Gorgan Bay began in the early 2010s, coinciding with the declining water level of the Caspian Sea. Climate change, reduced rainfall, excessive groundwater extraction, dam construction, and diminished river inflows have all accelerated the crisis.
The consequences have been devastating: the emergence of a new island, the death of tens of thousands of waterfowl, soaring salinity levels reaching 50,000 units, algal blooms, and a foul stench rising from the waters.
In 2017, the “Gorgan Bay Rescue Taskforce” was established. Years later, in March 2023, a presidential directive led to the dredging of the Ashuradeh Canal, which brought 1.5 billion cubic meters of water back into the bay. This temporarily raised water levels by 50 to 60 centimeters. However, other key measures—such as dredging two additional canals and pumping Caspian Sea water—were postponed, and the bay is once again in peril.
Recent field visits confirm accelerated water retreat. Lawmakers have warned that continued government inaction could condemn Gorgan Bay to the same destiny as Lake Urmia. The Governor of Golestan has also sounded the alarm, stressing that without immediate intervention, this vital wetland may dry up completely within two years.
Once a thriving ecosystem and lifeline for northern Iran, Gorgan Bay now teeters on the brink of collapse. Experts insist that unless the government swiftly implements restoration measures—most critically, pumping water from the Caspian Sea—the death of this invaluable natural heritage will be inevitable.
