Distribution of invasive lionfish (Pterois miles) on the coasts of Gazipaşa/Alanya which spread under the influence of climate change

The aim of this research was to find out the current density of lionfish, which are considered invasive species on the Gazipaşa Coast. For this purpose, 9 stations were determined to summarize the benthic structures of the area in question. Field studies were carried out between October 2, 2022, and October 6, 2022. Observations were made at depths between 0 and 25 meters. In the field studies, the underwater visual counting technique was used, and all individuals belonging to the fish species observed in the transects were counted with the help of underwater action camera images and recorded in the data set. Density analysis and frequency analysis were performed to determine the density and frequency of lionfish. The increase in seawater temperature in the Mediterranean due to climate change makes it more suitable for tropical species. This may cause habitat shifts among species. With the opening of the Suez Canal and climate change, the fauna of the Red Sea can adapt to the Mediterranean. The vast majority of the many alien species that have entered the Mediterranean are thermophilic species. Among these species are those with high invasion success, such as lionfish.iv The lionfish (Pterois miles) is a ray-finned fish native to the Indo-Pacific region. It entered the Mediterranean from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal. In Turkey, it was reported for the first time in 2014 in Iskenderun Bay. In time, it spread to the Aegean coast. Due to its voracious feeding behavior and lack of sufficient predators, the lionfish has a successful spread in the Mediterranean, preying on native species or competing for space, creating habitat stress for native species and affecting biodiversity