Final answer:
The Aral Sea was rich in biodiversity and supported a thriving fishing industry before its decline due to water diversion for irrigation purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Aral Sea, located between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, was rich in biodiversity and supported a thriving fishing industry before it began sinking. The sea received a significant amount of fresh water from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, making it a suitable habitat for various species of fish. However, due to the diversion of these rivers for irrigation purposes, the Aral Sea experienced a significant decline in water inflow, leading to its shrinkage and increased salinity. As a result, the once-rich biodiversity and fishing industry were severely affected.