The Aral Sea (continued)

What has been done to stop the deterioration of the Aral Sea? It seems like nothing much has been accomplished that can stop what is happening. Eventually the water will dry up and it will not be preventable. Many people have tried to do things but the irrigational cannels are helpful to the farmers and produce more cotton and that seems like an important livelihood as well.

"In the late 1980s, plans to save the sea were devised and revised; they accumulated upon the shelves of the Soviet government and well-meaning international agencies. None were carried out. In 1991 the Soviet Union collapsed. Yet the cotton harvest continued, because the Uzbek economy depended on it." (Bissell)

There have been international and worldwide studies done on the Aral Sea and many different organizations and people have tried various ways to keep the flow of water directed into the Aral Sea. Fish farming projects were attempted, as well as other endeavours for improving the water itself. NGO’s gave financial aid to try and stop the problem.

However, it comes down to the fact that it seems it is too late for anything to be done, and the cotton farmers and the present government seem quite happy with the current situation. The Aral Sea, nowadays, is much smaller and is still drying out daily. Plants are still dying, as well as most fish and animals. People still lack work where they once fished and still nothing can be done. “By 2010, most experts estimate, the Aral Sea will be completely gone” (Bissell.)

This is not an exaggeration on Tom Bissell’s part; there is no denying that the once huge sea is still receding and will soon be no more. More and more of the seabed is being revealed, further salinity is gathering and spreading, and more chemicals are being exposed and scattered. No longer do residents of places like Muynak look out of their windows and set their eyes on the sea and feel the spray of the Aral on their faces. No longer do children swim in the water and watch their fathers bring in the day’s catch. There is no sea for them.

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