Mass Seal Deaths in Caspian Sea Prompt Official Investigation in Dagestan
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Russian authorities are investigating after discovering more than 320 dead seals along the coast of the Caspian Sea. The grim find was made in the Republic of Dagestan.
A statement from Russia's natural resources ministry confirmed the incident. The ministry noted that seal deaths occur every year during the animals' migration period.
Specialists have collected samples from the carcasses for laboratory analysis. Officials say the cause of death remains unknown pending test results.
The Caspian seal is the only marine mammal living in the inland Caspian Sea. It is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.