Preliminary Assessment of Invasive Lionfish <i>Pterois miles</i> Using Underwater Visual Census Method in the Northeastern Mediterranean

Abstract Underwater visual census (UVC) is a commonly used approach for assessing fish density and biomass. Iskenderun Bay, comprising the Samanda? coast in Turkey, most important introduction pathway of alien species northeastern Mediterranean. In this study, density, abundance, distribution interaction invasive lionfish or devil firefish Pterois miles were assessed using UVC method on coast. The total transect area monitored was 4.500 m 2 . Species richness, Shannon’s diversity index rate biomass 25, 1.81 73.5 , respectively. Reduced observed with increasing depths. sandy seafloor limiting factor distribution. There significant positive correlation between both Shannon (r = 0.99, P&lt;0.001) evenness P&lt;0.05). A high number correlations (P&lt;0.05) detected occurrence native other species. first stock assessment study by Turkish marine waters revealed that are under very pressure from species, especially Chromis, Sparids Wrasses, indicating negative effects regional biodiversity.