The Aral Sea: A limnological perspective

There has been much concern in the past decade about recent changes to the Aral Sea and its environs (see, for example, Micklin 1991, Glantz et al. 1992). Without exception, this concern has focussed upon the disadvantages of these changes. Outside the scientific literature, claims have even been made that recent changes will result (or have resulted) in the destruction of a unique lake and the development of a lifeless, poisonous inland sea (e.g. Ellis 1990). Setting such extreme claims aside, there is no doubt that there is considerable cause for concern. Nevertheless, recent changes within the Aral Sea need to be placed in perspective and considered in relation to limnological changes to large, permanent salt lakes elsewhere, as well as to past changes in the lake itself. Further, the limited extent to which the lake was scientifically distinctive needs to be recognized.