Azerbaijan.US
Fish counters remain full. Shamay, carp, mullet and trout are still widely available, and sellers insist that freshness standards have not changed. Buyers continue to judge quality the old-fashioned way – by color, firmness and smell.
“Fresh fish is easy to recognize,” vendors say, pointing to red gills and dense flesh. According to traders, much of the supply now comes from rivers, mountain areas and controlled sources rather than directly from polluted coastal zones.
Still, reports about falling water levels and worsening pollution in the Caspian Sea have unsettled consumers. Environmental specialists caution that the most serious effects are often invisible in the short term.
Experts note that multiple rivers flowing into the Caspian carry agricultural runoff, industrial waste and chemical residues. Over time, these substances can accumulate in marine organisms, particularly fish, and eventually enter the human food chain.
Fish are especially sensitive to water contamination. Harmful compounds may build up in their tissues without altering taste or appearance. The risk is considered higher for species living in the northern Caspian or migrating from areas affected by large river inflows, including regions linked to the Volga basin.
Environmental researchers also recall that in previous decades, persistent pesticides were detected in Caspian waters. Among them was DDT – one of the most widely used synthetic pesticides of the 20th century. Due to its tendency to accumulate in living organisms and pose serious health risks, its use has been banned in many countries.
While current pollution levels may not immediately disrupt fish markets, specialists warn that long-term exposure could damage the Caspian ecosystem and raise concerns about food safety if preventive measures are not strengthened.
