People
Lev Berg and the fisheries of the Aral Sea
Lev Berg combined his work as fisheries supervisor on the Aral Sea and the Syr Darya with scientific research in these regions.
Published
This is a translation. The original is Русский. Language review: not performed by a native speaker.
In 1898, Lev Berg defended his graduation thesis in the natural sciences department at Moscow University. Soon afterwards, he was offered the post of fisheries supervisor on the Aral Sea and the Syr Darya; he combined this work with scientific research.
In 1899–1902, Berg took part in the Aral expedition, and in 1903 he set out to study Lake Balkhash. He wrote detailed accounts of his journeys to Pavel Ignatov, a friend and fellow student.
The scientific archive of the Russian Geographical Society holds photographs of the Aral expedition of 1901–1902 and the hydrological studies of 1902. The photographs show boats, instruments and expedition members.
According to his granddaughter’s recollections, Berg was the son of a Jewish notary; before entering Moscow University, he secretly converted to Lutheranism.