The migration of Pearl Mullet, which is a fish native to Lake Van and swims towards fresh waters between April 15 and July 15 for breeding, fascinates those who see it. Erciş Fish Dam, where reverse migration can be seen and followed most clearly, welcomes dozens of guests every year.
Pearl Mullet, a species unique to Lake Van, continues to migrate to fresh waters this year. During the migration of Pearl Mullets, that is, between April 15 and July 15, a hunting ban begins in Van. Pearl Mullets lay their eggs in the fresh waters pouring into Lake Van from 12 different points. Fish bend is located on Deliçay, which is one of these waters and located in Erciş district of Van.
Fish bend welcomes many visitors
Fish Barrow is one of the areas where the migration of Pearl Mullets and the battle of the seagulls of Lake Van to catch fish are most clearly observed, and it welcomes dozens of visitors every year. At the same time, Balık Bendi is a recreation area. Those who come here to watch the migration of fish can also have a picnic and spend the whole day here.
HEPPs and Climate Crisis threaten natural beauties
On the other hand, the Climate Crisis, which has affected the whole world for the last few years, continues to show itself in Van. Due to the Climate Crisis, many wetlands, especially in Lake Van, are experiencing retreats, and many of them even dry up.
At the same time, the Hydroelectric Power Plants (HEPP) built on many streams in Van cause the water level to drop. In Deliçay, which is affected by the Climate Crisis and has a HEPP on it, we see that the water level has decreased visibly this year. The decrease in the water level causes the migration of Pearl Mullets, which turns into a feast every year, to be dull this year.
Water level is very low
Hasan Yörük, one of the visitors of Balık Dam, comes from Muğla Yatağan. Yörük, who came to Van to see his grandchildren, is also in Fish Bend to watch the migration of Pearl Mullet, and he says: “I travel around here thanks to my granddaughter. We are here today too, on the edge of this stream. We really liked this place.”
Another visitor to the Fish Bend is Journalist Şenol Bali. Bali is also here to watch the Pearl Mullet migrate. Bali states that there is a decrease in the water level of Deliçay compared to previous years and continues: “Deliçay, which originates from the mountainous parts of Erciş, merges with Lake Van from here. It is also one of the fresh waters where Pearl Mullet is drawn to breed. We witness the fish that migrate here swimming in reverse. We already know that after the breeding period is completed, it will return to Lake Van. However, we see the effects of the Climate Crisis in this river as well. We see that the water level is quite low this year in the river, which flows more lushly and has a very high water level every year. We know that this can have negative consequences in the long run. We witness the war between the fish and the seagulls, which is a joy to watch.”
Serhat News
Translator :Akif Coşkun
