Consequences of the increasing prevalence of the poisonous Lagocephalus sceleratus in southern Turkey
EMERGENCY MEDICINE JOURNAL, vol.30, no.11, pp.954-955, 2013 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 30 Issue: 11
- Publication Date: 2013
- Doi Number: 10.1136/emermed-2011-200407
- Journal Name: EMERGENCY MEDICINE JOURNAL
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.954-955
- Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background The increasing Indo-Pacific migration has affected the biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea, and the prevalence of the puffer fish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), a well-known poisonous migrant, is increasing. The fish, which contains tetrodotoxin, is lethally poisonous when consumed. As its population increases it becomes more available in the markets of southern Turkey, but local people seem to be unaware of the danger. Probably because of the depressed stocks of the surrounding waters and demand on affordable seafood, local anglers are catching the fish. The situation constitutes an alert for the local emergency medicine organisation and is a public health issue.