What has happened to the towns of Muynak and Uchsay over time?

Muynak and Uchsay, once thriving fishing towns on the shores of the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan, have faced severe ecological decline due to the shrinking of the sea caused by extensive irrigation projects. As the water receded, the towns experienced economic downturns, loss of livelihoods, and increased environmental challenges, including dust storms and health issues. Muynak is now known for its "ship graveyard," where abandoned vessels sit far from the water's edge, symbolizing the dramatic changes in the region. Uchsay, similarly affected, has seen its population decline as residents migrate in search of better opportunities.