Gorgan Bay is facing a critical crisis, and experts warn that only three to five years remain to save it. Authorities and environmental officials have repeatedly stressed the urgency of protecting Gorgan Bay from irreversible damage. Without swift action, the bay’s ecosystem could collapse, affecting both the environment and local communities.
Officials in Golestan Province have expressed concern over delays in implementing measures designed to save Gorgan Bay. Abdollah Aghaalikhani, Director General of Inspection for the province, stated that while some initiatives, such as dredging the water supply canal, have been completed, others remain unaddressed. He emphasized that projects like water pumping, respecting water rights, and building treatment plants in coastal cities are still pending.
Aghaalikhani warned that national agencies are behind schedule, and their inaction demonstrates clear negligence. He highlighted the importance of timely intervention to prevent further ecological damage. In addition, parliament representatives have urged the allocation of significant financial resources to the project. Abdoljalal Eiri, representing several northern districts, noted that 1,000 billion tomans have been earmarked in next year’s fiscal plan to protect Gorgan Bay.
The bay’s decline is not a new concern. In recent years, provincial governors and environmental officials have issued multiple warnings about the risks of drying wetlands. Ali-Asghar Tahmasebi, Golestan Governor in December 2024, described the bay’s deterioration as a threat to public health and regional stability. He called for year-round dredging but acknowledged that the province lacks necessary equipment.
Previous officials also highlighted the severity of the situation. In June 2023, Ali-Mohammad Zanganeh, former provincial governor, warned that Gorgan Bay drying could create 60,000 hectares of salty dust sources. Likewise, Mojtaba Zoljoudi, Deputy for Marine Environment at the Department of Environment, described environmental, economic, and social damages from declining water levels in Gorgan Bay and nearby wetlands.
The broader implications of Gorgan Bay’s crisis extend beyond local environmental issues. If left unresolved, the bay’s degradation could impact public health, local agriculture, and regional economic stability. Experts emphasize that swift action is critical to prevent permanent ecosystem loss.
Authorities plan to continue implementing interventions approved by the National Wetlands Restoration Headquarters. However, officials stress that accountability is essential for agencies that fail to follow legal obligations. Immediate and coordinated efforts are crucial to protect Gorgan Bay from irreversible damage.