Invasive Red Sea species on the rise along Turkish coasts
Prof from Akdeniz University. Dr. Mehmet Gökoğlu stated that the population of invasive species in Antalya Bay has increased.
Quick Look
Invasive Red Sea fish species, which have increased on the Turkish coast due to the climate crisis and changes in sea water temperatures, have begun to be seen intensively in Antalya Bay and Konyaaltı rocks.
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Why It Matters
The climate crisis and increasing sea water temperatures are increasing the number of Red Sea-origin species migrating to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.
The number of invasive Red Sea migratory species seen on the Turkish coast is increasing day by day due to reasons such as the climate crisis and changes in sea water temperatures.
Akdeniz University Faculty of Fisheries Faculty Member Prof. Dr. In his statement, Mehmet Gökoğlu stated that he and his team dived into Antalya Bay and frequently observed the changes there.
Stating that they recently captured the species passing from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean during their dive on the Konyaaltı Coast, Gökoğlu stated that these fish are not economically evaluated.
"IT'S VERY DENSIVE IN KONYAALTI ROCKS"
Stating that they usually encounter these species in caves and secluded places, but now they have started to see them very densely on the rocks in Konyaaltı, Gökoğlu said, "The most important feature of these species is that they all move together. These are bottom fish, that is, they are not mid-water fish. Therefore, we see that they are very dense in the rocks of Konyaaltı."
Pointing out that these species coming from the Red Sea have an impact, Gökoğlu said that Red Sea species, including red-striped fish, completely occupied the rocks.
CAN THESE SPECIES BE EDIBLE?
Stating that the arrival of new species means that the native fish leave the area where they are located, Gökoğlu said, "So this situation means a kind of displacement, food sharing. These species are called cave, gray fish or triangle fish. They are not very large fish. They can reach a maximum size of one span. These species can be eaten when caught in large quantities. There is no one currently consuming them. They can be evaluated. There is no harm in our citizens consuming these fish. They are not like puffer fish or other inedible fish. They are evaluateable species." he said.
"THEY ACT LIKE A FAMILY, A FAMILY"
Stating that they observed the changes in the coastal area of Antalya Bay by constantly diving, Gökoğlu said, "Fish species coming from the Red Sea were previously in small flocks. Now the population has increased considerably. They move in large flocks and behave like a family, a dynasty, in the form of a colony."
"THEY SIGN WITH EACH OTHER AND MAKE SOUNDS"
Gökoğlu noted that this change in the Mediterranean includes squirrel fish and the species called "nylon" fish in this region. Stating that there is a communication between these fish species, Gökoğlu said, "When you dive into the water, you can perceive them calling, signaling to each other, and making sounds. When they sense danger, they make their own sounds and immediately try to go under the rocks."
Open Questions
- What will be the long-term damage to the native ecosystem from these invasive species?
- Can their impact on the fishing economy be reduced?
