Existing activities of Turkmenistan in the field of ex situ conservation include the collection of genetic material of wild crop relatives at the Magtymguly Scientific and Experimental Centre of Plant Genetic Resources of MoA, collections of autochthonous plant species at the Ashgabat Botanical Garden, and efforts aimed at the captive breeding of mammal species by several State reserves. There are nine IBAs, key fish wintering grounds and habitats of the Caspian seal in this region. The area also contains major fishing grounds (predominantly for kilka, Clupeonella spp.).