[REVISION HISTORY]
Pearl kefal population in Lake Van
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2026-10-05 10:56 UTC → 2026-10-09 08:26 UTC ·
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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 enforcement actions have included observations near the seizure Tatvan district of dead fish, the confiscation Bitlis have documented large schools of boats and tools, juvenile fish swimming in coastal areas. Following their annual migration to freshwater streams for spawning in May and June, the issuance of administrative fines. 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.”
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- 2026-10-09 08:26 UTC Pearl kefal population in Lake Van
- 2026-10-05 10:56 UTC Pearl kefal population in Lake Van
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