Pakdemirli: Pufferfish Fishing will be supported

Pakdemirli: Pufferfish Fishing will be supported Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli stated that pufferfish fishing will be supported. Pakdemirli said, "This practice will be a first in terms of protecting aquatic biological diversity and supporting fishermen at the same time." Making his statement in writing, Minister Pakdemirli stated that within the scope of combating invasive foreign species, a support payment of 5 million TL will be made to fishermen and that new regulations have been made in support of fisheries in order to protect ecosystems and ensure sustainable use of resources. In this context, Pakdemirli noted that the pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), known as an invasive foreign species, will supported to be hunted due to the damage it causes to aquatic biodiversity and fishing gear of fishermen, Pakdemirli used the following statements: "We will support pufferfish fishing with vessels that are engaged in fishing activities other than spinning and skidding nets. We will make a support payment of 5 lira per tail. This practice will be a first in terms of both protecting aquatic biological diversity and supporting fishermen at the same time." Stating that the support decision was issued especially before the spring months, Minister Pakdemirli emphasized that they are planning to reduce the potential of pufferfish in their reproduction period. Minister Pakdemirli informed that the fishermen can submit their support applications to the provincial / district directorates of Agriculture and Forestry that have coasts to the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea.     Source: AA