The Aral Sea

The Aral Sea was once the 4th largest body of fresh water in the world and it was rich in its fishing.

The the USSR diverted its rivers to grow cotton. In turn the Aral Sea dried up to become a desert. It was regarded as one of the world's worst ecological disasters. It is comparable to the desertification of the delta of the Colorado River.

Here is some news re current attempts to revive it:

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1131041.shtml