# Pearl kefal population in Lake Van

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pearl-kefal-population-in-lake-van
> Updated: 2026-10-09T07:23:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

The endemic pearl kefal (mullet) population in Lake Van is showing signs of recovery and growth. Juvenile fish have recently begun migrating back to the lake’s alkaline and salty waters after completing their growth stage in freshwater rivers.

Conservation and enforcement efforts have contributed to a notable increase in the species' size. The average length of the fish has grown by approximately 30 percent compared to levels recorded 20 years ago, rising from 17–18 centimeters to 22–23 centimeters. To sustain the stock, which supports roughly 15,000 people, authorities enforce an annual fishing ban from April 15 to July 15. This period involves joint inspections by the gendarmerie, coast guard, police, and municipal teams to combat illegal fishing.

Recent observations near the Tatvan district of Bitlis have documented large schools of juvenile fish swimming in coastal areas. Following their annual migration to freshwater streams for spawning in May and June, the young fish return to Lake Van to feed along the shoreline. Nature photographer Oktay Subaşı, documenting the lake’s biodiversity, noted that the fish population observed this year “appears to be more abundant compared to previous years.”

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Lake Van sees large schools of juvenile pearl kefal

Large schools of juvenile pearl kefal fish have returned to the shores of Lake Van in Bitlis after migrating to freshwater streams to spawn.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-van-sees-large-schools-of-juvenile-pearl-kefal

### 2026-10-05: Lake Van pearl mullet population shows 30% size increase

Conservation efforts in Lake Van have increased the average size of the endemic pearl mullet by 30 percent over 20 years, supporting the livelihoods of roughly 15,000 people.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-van-pearl-mullet-population-shows-30-size-increase

### 2026-09-28: Lake Van pearl kefal juveniles return to habitat

Juvenile pearl kefal fish have successfully migrated back to Lake Van after completing their development in freshwater streams, marking a key stage in the endemic species' annual life cycle.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-van-pearl-kefal-juveniles-return-to-habitat

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Cite as: Pearl kefal population in Lake Van. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pearl-kefal-population-in-lake-van