Millions of pearl mullet fry start their return to Van Gölü, inspections continue

As the reproductive period of the pearl mullet, known to live only in the Van Gölü basin in the world, comes to an end, millions of fry hatching from eggs have started their journey to the lake, the next stage of their life cycle. The migration movement of these fish, one of Van Gölü's endemic species and the livelihood of approximately 15 thousand people, for reproductive purposes to fresh waters is completed as of July 15. Millions of fry fish wait for a while at the confluence points of streams and Van Gölü to adapt to the lake and then move towards the main lake.

In order to ensure the safety of the fish during this critical transition process in the reproductive period and to prevent illegal fishing, comprehensive inspections are carried out under the coordination of the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. The work, carried out on a 24/7 basis with the participation of gendarmerie, police, coast guard and municipal police teams, aims to ensure the fry reach the lake safely and to prevent illegal fishing that threatens the future of the species. As the migration period enters its final days, the teams have increased inspections especially in areas where fry fish are densely populated.

Balıkçılık ve Su Ürünleri Şube Müdürü Muhammet Demir, stating that pearl mullet migrated from the lake to fresh waters between April 15 and July 15, and that extensive measures were taken to protect the species during this period, said that they started preparation work one month before the fishing ban started, held meetings with commission members to take decisions to be implemented in the field, and organized training for personnel. In addition, carrying out awareness studies for students in schools around the region was among the targeted projects.

Providing information on the inspections and penal sanctions, Demir announced that approximately 2 million 818 thousand TL of administrative fines were imposed on 147 persons in the checks carried out from April 15 to the present day. He shared that 19 tons of dead pearl mullet fish, 7 fiber boats and 70 different hunting tools were seized within the scope of the inspections. These figures show how seriously and comprehensively the fight against illegal fishing is being carried out.

Emphasizing that the positive effects of conservation works are clearly seen in the field, Demir said that they witnessed millions of pearl mullet fry swimming along the coast of Van Gölü and mixing into the lake, especially during inspections at night. Stating that the results of the inspections manifest themselves not only with the increase in the number of fry but also with the physical development of the fish; he noted that the average fish size, which was 17-18 cm in the past, has reached 22-23 cm today. Demir finally reiterated that the pearl mullet, which lives only in this region in the world and has great economic importance, is not hunted, sold or allowed to be hunted during the fishing ban period, emphasizing the sustainability of the species.