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While the number of alien species that are located in the Mediterranean Sea exceeds 1000, the number of alien species located in the Seas of Turkey is almost 500. While 74% of the alien species came to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal, 80% of the alien species, which arrived in the Black Sea, came due to ships’ ballast water. Some of these invasive alien species also come via aquaculture, releasement of fish and aquarium handling.
These alien species carry parasites to the marine ecosystem, marine biodiversity, marine species and habitats, spreads diseases, causes genetic deterioration, rivalry, and destroys and endangers native species’ generation by draining them. These species also threaten human health because they can cause diseases, poisoning and injuries. On top of this, it has a negative impact on fishery and tourism, which leads to an unfavourable national economy.