Russian methods for clearing the Belbek River in Crimea are causing environmental damage, according to local scientists. Officials state that specialists are clearing riverbeds of blockages to protect against flooding, a practice common in mainland Russia but reportedly having adverse effects in Crimea.

Grigory Prokopov, a senior lecturer at KFU, stated that removing plants and trees leads to bank erosion during floods, even if the banks are reinforced with fill. This erosion causes silting downstream and undermines tree roots, causing them to fall into the river. He also noted that coastal vegetation is an important natural filter for riverine runoff.