A mass die-off of seals has been recorded along the coast of the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan, where nearly 100 carcasses have washed ashore.

A total of 97 dead seals were discovered in the Tupkaragan district of the Mangistau region. Strong western winds carried the bodies to the shoreline, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

Experts from the Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology say the animals likely died more than a month ago, but storm conditions only recently brought them to land.

A special task force, including representatives of relevant agencies, has arrived at the site to collect samples and determine the cause of death. Coastal monitoring efforts are ongoing.

The incident adds to growing environmental concerns in the region. In 2025 alone, more than 400 dead seals were found along Kazakhstan’s Caspian coastline, raising alarm over the health of the marine ecosystem.