The New Fish Program is a project by the Mediterranean Conservation Society aimed at increasing the consumption of edible invasive and alien marine species within the framework of ecosystem restoration. By doing so, the program seeks to reduce the pressure these species exert on marine ecosystems and enable small-scale fisheries to generate economic income from them.
What are New Fish?
New fish refer to alien species that entered the Mediterranean from the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean following the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. The expansion of the canal in 2015, allowing for two-way traffic, accelerated the entry of these species. Warming sea temperatures due to climate change have provided suitable habitats for these species in the Mediterranean ecosystem. Species such as lionfish, soldierfish, threadfin bream, and others negatively impact local species and ecosystems. Some consume macroalgae and seagrass, while others harm native and juvenile fish, affecting coastal fisheries and small-scale fishing.
What are Invasive Species?
Invasive species are animals, plants, or other organisms introduced intentionally or accidentally to areas outside their natural distribution. These species negatively impact native biodiversity, ecosystem services, or human economies and welfare (IUCN). Rising sea temperatures, a consequence of the climate crisis, are making the Mediterranean Basin increasingly hospitable for invasive species from ecosystems such as the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Species like lionfish, introduced via the Suez Canal or ballast water from ships, rapidly adapt and proliferate in the Mediterranean, posing serious threats to native fish species and the small-scale fishing economy.
New Fish in Our Seas
Devil firefish (Pterois miles): Native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this species inhabits reefs and rocky areas. It has spread to Türkiye's Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, reaching Edremit Bay by 2023. Lionfish feed on juvenile fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates, harming ecosystems. Overfishing and illegal hunting of species like grouper have contributed to its rapid spread. As an edible species, lionfish can help balance the ecosystem and provide income for traditional fishers. Handling precautions are necessary, as its dorsal and ventral spines may be toxic.
Redcoat (Sargocentron rubrum): One of the first species to spread to the Mediterranean, it inhabits rocky areas, bays, and lagoons at depths of 10-40 meters. Soldierfish feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish and are known by various names, including squirrelfish and firefish.
Lessepsian lizardfish (Saurida lessepsianus): Known locally as sand fish, this species from the Eastern Indian Ocean lives on sandy or muddy coastal seabeds. It competes with native fish species, disrupting the ecosystem.
Randall's threadfin bream (Nemipterus randalli): First recorded in Türkiye in 2007 in Iskenderun Bay, this species has spread across the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean. It inhabits sandy and muddy areas, feeding on small fish and benthic invertebrates.
Blue-barred parrotfish (Scarus ghobban): Native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this species inhabits reefs and rocky shores. Parrotfish graze on algae, contributing to ecosystem balance.
Goldband goatfish (Upeneus moluccensis): Found at depths of 10-120 meters, this species is common in Mediterranean fisheries. Native to the Red Sea, it feeds on benthic crustaceans and has spread to Türkiye's Eastern Mediterranean, Marmara, and Aegean Seas.
Red Sea Goatfish (Parupeneus forsskali): This species thrives in sandy and seagrass areas, feeding on benthic invertebrates. Native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, it has spread throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.
Dusky Spinefoot (Siganus luridus): Found near the seabed in shallow waters, it prefers vegetated sandy areas. Its spines contain venom, requiring careful handling.
Marbled Spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus): Common in sheltered bays and rocky bottoms, this species forms schools and has economic value as an edible fish.
Bluespotted cornetfish (Fistularia commersoni): Native to coral reefs and rocky areas, this species was first recorded in Türkiye in 2002. It often moves in small groups along reefs or seagrass beds.
Porcupine sea urchin (Diadema setosum): This species, transported via ballast water and the Suez Canal, was first reported in Türkiye's Kaş Peninsula in 2006. Its venomous spines require caution during handling.
Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus): Native to the Atlantic, this species has spread across the Mediterranean, thriving in Türkiye's lagoons and estuaries.
What is the Mediterranean Conservation Society Doing?
Since 2015, the Mediterranean Conservation Society has worked to monitor and manage edible invasive and alien species to mitigate climate change effects. It implements the "Marine Ranger System" in no-fishing zones to protect vital species like grouper. Additionally, it collaborates with chefs to incorporate these new fish into restaurant menus, raising awareness and promoting consumption.
In protected areas such as Gökova Bay, Fethiye-Göcek, Datça-Bozburun, and Kaş-Kekova, the society encourages small-scale fishers to catch invasive species using traditional methods. Since August 2020, it has established a conservation-based economic model, purchasing 18 tons of invasive fish from fishers and cooperatives and distributing them to restaurants via a cold chain system.
Public tasting events and chef collaborations have helped familiarize communities with these species, reducing ecosystem pressures and providing economic benefits to local fishers. By raising awareness, the program supports traditional fishing practices and enhances biodiversity conservation.
Invasive Species of Türkiye's Mediterranean Costs
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