While the temperature increase due to global climate change accelerates the spread of invasive species in the seas, concern about puffer fish on the Mediterranean coast is growing day by day. The fact that 13 species of puffer fish, of which there are nearly 200 species worldwide, are found on the Mediterranean coasts reveals that the threat has become a permanent ecological problem rather than a temporary one. Experts point out that the poisonous and invasive pufferfish, which spread to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, has become a risk topic that threatens not only the marine ecosystem, but also daily life on the coast, the balance of fisheries and human health. The fact that rising seawater temperatures increase the adaptation and reproduction capacity of invasive species increases concern, especially for those living along the coastline and small-scale fishermen.
NATIVE SPECIES ARE ESCAPE!
The high sea water temperature along the Antalya coast at certain times of the year stands out as one of the factors that raise the concern about the “increase in poisonous puffer fish”. Despite reaching the first half of January, field observations and measurements showing that the sea water temperature on the Antalya coast does not fall below 19 degrees strengthen the possibility that the frequency of puffer fish sightings may increase in the coming days. While the warming Mediterranean increases the pressure on native species, on the other hand It is becoming a more favorable ecosystem for invasive species originating from the Red Sea. The puffer fish is interpreted as one of the toughest, most aggressive and most talked about creatures of this transformation.
DEATHS AND INJURIES
Experts point out that the puffer fish has become one of the most destructive and aggressive invasive species in the Mediterranean; He points out that in the last 20 years, at least 171 people have been poisoned because they consumed puffer fish as food.r. While 27 people died due to blowfish poisoning in the 20-year period, at least 8 people were attacked by blowfish in the Turkish seas in the last 8 years. Marine Biologist Prof. Dr. Nazlı Demirel, Hydrobiologist Prof. Dr. Murat Bilecenoğlu, Environmental Sciences Specialist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Hüseyinoğlu and diver Dr. According to the study conducted by Aylin Ulman, puffer fish pose a threat not only with the risk of poisoning, but also with physical contact and attack cases.
TTX CARRIES TOXIN
Turkish Nature Conservation Association (TTKD) Scientific Advisor Dr. Erol Kesici pointed out that two species in particular stand out among the “most poisonous” puffer fish in the Mediterranean and made the following warnings: “Unfortunately, the number of dwarf puffer fish has increased in the last 10 years. One of the biggest problems of recent years on the Mediterranean coast is the poisonous puffer fish, whose spread and abundance has increased rapidly, and invasive alien species such as the dwarf puffer fish.” These species not only cause economic losses by directly damaging fisheries, but also threaten public health. Consuming TTX toxin as food can be fatal.”
HEADING TO THE AEGEAN
Prof. from Istanbul University, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Processing Technology. Dr. Firdes Saadet Karakulak emphasizes that the puffer fish is gradually spreading further north due to the deterioration in the global temperature balance, and that the Eastern Mediterranean is one of the most dangerous regions.
REWARD TO THE ONE WHO CAUGHT AND BROUGHT
On the other hand, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has activated a support mechanism for 6 years to reduce the population of puffer fish, which has become a nightmare on the Mediterranean coast. While the support program launched by the Ministry in 2020 has been updated over time, the support per fish has been increased to 35 TL for the spotted puffer fish, which is shown as one of the most dangerous species. It was announced that up to 100 thousand units would be paid for this type. On the other hand, according to the circular published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, it is also prohibited to land puffer fish. Accordingly, an administrative fine of 3 thousand 770 liras will be imposed on those who land the puffer fish; Those who sell puffer fish will be fined 37 thousand 770 liras, and processing facilities will be fined 75 thousand 553 liras.
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