The poisonous puffer fish, known for its deadly effects on humans and other marine life, has changed its migration route due to rising sea temperatures, moving from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean and the Marmara Sea .
Erdoğan Kartal, president of the Istanbul Fisheries Cooperatives Association, highlighted the impact of climate change on marine life, emphasizing the invasive nature of puffer fish.
Linking the migration of species to the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas to global warming, Kartal expressed concern over the potential spread to the Marmara and Black Seas. He emphasized the puffer fish’s ability to adapt to new environments, describing it as an invasive species that threatens local fish populations.
Global warming is changing various fish species’ migration patterns and reproductive characteristics, leading to potential risks for marine ecosystems. Kartal warned that the rapid reproduction and toxicity of the puffer fish could have adverse effects on local fish populations and disrupt the livelihoods of fishermen in the affected regions.
In response to the ecological threat posed by the puffer fish, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry initiated a program to purchase the tails of endangered marine creatures. Stating the severity of the situation, the ministry pays TL 12.5 ($0.41) for larger puffer fish tails, with around 15,000 tails collected in 2023 alone. The poisonous nature of puffer fish and their rapid reproduction has led the ministry to take preventive measures against their proliferation.
Noting the dangers associated with the consumption of puffer fish, Kartal highlighted the presence of toxins inside the fish that can cause paralysis or even death in humans. He urged the public to refrain from consuming this species, advising professional handling if encountered. Kartal even warns against swimming near these fish, as their venom can harm individuals with open wounds.
Looking ahead, Kartal addresses the challenges facing the fishing industry in the new year. Expressing concerns about the declining size of anchovies and horse mackerel, he said the fishing season was not good in 2023. Despite expectations, bonito, bluefish and mackerel yields were reported to be lower than desired , which contributes to the high price of fish. Kartal highlighted 2023 as one of the industry’s challenging years, emphasizing the need for sustainable fishing practices to address these ongoing issues.
Expressing concerns about the impact of weather conditions on fishing, Kartal highlighted climate change, with winters becoming warmer and negatively affecting both land agriculture and sea fishing. Highlighting the decline in fish reproduction and growth rates due to rising temperatures, Kartal indicated the need for radical decisions to address the sector’s challenges.
Anticipating a shortage of fish, especially anchovies and bluefish, Kartal suggested that Istanbul residents may need to switch to consuming more chicken. He emphasized the shared responsibility of the state, fishermen and citizens to ensure the sustainability of the fishing industry, stressing the importance of allowing each fish to spawn at least once.
To promote sustainable fishing, Kartal called for measures against pollution and overfishing. He urged fishermen to abide by size regulations and avoid illegal activities and poaching. Kartal also pointed out a message to consumers, advising against buying small fish to protect the fishing industry.
Professor Cengiz Deval from the Akdeniz University Faculty of Fisheries added important insights, noting the existence of nearly 200 species of puffer fish, some living in freshwater and others in saltwater. While acknowledging the existence of non-poisonous puffer fish, Deval emphasized the great danger posed by the poisonous species, of which there are eight in Turkish waters. The ministry has banned the catching and landing of puffer fish due to their toxicity, with Deval stressing the need for caution in handling this potentially deadly species.
Deval highlighted the proliferation of puffer fish in Turkish waters, due to the gradual warming of the seas. Originating from the Suez Canal, these fish first appeared in Hatay and Mersin, gradually spread to Antalya and the Aegean Sea, and are now moving towards the Marmara and Black Sea.
Deval emphasized the adverse effects of overfishing on other species, leaving the toxic puffer fish to dominate the environment. With their sharp teeth and prolific reproduction – an estimated 1 million eggs are laid by a 1-kilogram (2.21-pound) adult – these venomous fish pose a significant threat.
Consuming puffer fish can result in immediate symptoms such as dry tongue, shortness of breath, and nausea, with potentially fatal consequences if untreated. Deval strongly warned against eating these poisonous fish, stressing the urgent need for public awareness and precautions to avoid serious health risks.
