According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. İnci Tüney Kızılkaya’s statements, there are seven different species of puffer fish in the seas of Turkey that come through the Suez Canal. With the increase in sea water temperature in the Mediterranean, an increase in the number of migratory species is observed. Among these migratory species, the excessive proliferation of puffer fish puts pressure on local species and negatively affects the ecosystem.
İnci Tüney Kızılkaya stated that the puffer fish species detected in Gökova Bay in 2005 caused an annual loss of approximately 2 million euros to the economy. These fish, which harm the fishing industry, pose a serious threat to local fish populations. It is particularly emphasized that puffer fish should not be consumed due to the deadly toxins they contain.
It is stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has developed various projects to raise public awareness. It is stated that work is ongoing to prevent the negative effects of puffer fish on the economy and ecosystem.
Harmful Effects of Puffer Fish on Nature
- Puffer fish are disrupting the natural balance by occupying the habitats of native species.
- As an alien species, puffer fish have advantages that native species cannot compete with.
- They can adversely affect water quality by inhibiting the spread of aquatic plants.
Disruption of Natural Balance
- Pufferfish can affect the ecosystem by depleting the food resources of native fish.
- Populations of native fish may decline and habitats may change.
- Uncontrolled spread of alien species can reduce the biodiversity of water resources and disrupt the ecosystem.
Effects on Species Diversity
- Pufferfish can affect the reproductive and feeding behavior of other species, causing their extinction.
- This situation can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and reduce natural species diversity.
