50 million invasive pufferfish blocked from entering ecosystem
(AA)
An incentive scheme launched by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry to catch invasive pufferfish has spared the country’s marine ecosystem from an estimated 50 million of the species, a senior ministry official has stated.
According to Turgay Türkyılmaz, director of aquaculture at the ministry, invasive species migrating through the Suez Canal pose a major threat to Mediterranean fisheries and marine life. He highlighted pufferfish as a primary culprit, noting a government hunting incentive was introduced in 2020 to tackle the crisis.
Highlighting the program’s success in safeguarding marine life and supporting local fishermen, Türkyılmaz added that neighboring Mediterranean countries have adopted similar buyback programs based on Türkiye’s example.
