Tunisia on maximum alert as venomous lionfish threatens waters

Tunisia's marine environment is facing alarming fluctuations, with experts issuing a stark warning about the impending arrival of the venomous lionfish. Hamdi Hached, an engineer and climate expert, alerted the public to multiple dangers, including the invasive and destructive lionfish, an "era of jellyfish," and rising sea levels that threaten coastal infrastructure.

Hached, speaking on Jawhara FM, stated that the scientific community, particularly marine biologists, are on "maximum alert" for the lionfish. While no specimens have been caught yet, the accelerated warming of the Mediterranean Sea and the species' rapid proliferation in neighboring waters have deeply concerned scientists. The lionfish is covered in toxic spines, posing a significant medical risk.

He urged maritime professionals and citizens to exercise extreme vigilance, emphasizing the absolute necessity of not touching the creature. In case of observation or suspicious capture, immediate contact with competent scientific authorities like the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies (INSTM) or environmental NGOs such as 'TunSea' and 'Notre Grand Bleu' is crucial.

Beyond the lionfish threat, Hached highlighted the proliferation of stinging jellyfish, which can no longer be dismissed as a mere seasonal issue. He described the current situation as an "era of jellyfish dominance over the oceanic ecosystem." Rising sea temperatures provide extended reproduction windows for these organisms, exacerbated by pollution and the decline of their natural predators like sea turtles. These conditions create a favorable environment for harmful organisms, according to Hached.