Mediterranean marine experts warn of rising poisonous species

Associate Professor Ali Rıza Köşker from Çukurova University's Faculty of Fisheries has issued warnings regarding the increasing number of poisonous and invasive marine species in the Mediterranean over the last 20 years.

Köşker highlighted several dangerous species appearing along Turkish coasts, including pufferfish, lionfish, long-spined sea urchins, striped catfish, and boxfish. He specifically warned that the toxin in pufferfish, tetrodotoxin, is heat-resistant and remains lethal even after cooking. He noted that contrary to common belief, the meat and skin of the pufferfish are also toxic, and contact with the skin can cause poisoning through open wounds.

Additionally, while lionfish meat may be edible, their fins contain poisonous spines that can cause serious poisoning upon contact. Long-spined sea urchins, prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean, also pose a risk in rocky areas. Experts recommend that swimmers avoid rocky zones to prevent stings and advise the public to avoid consuming any unidentified fish species.