Confirmation of the presence of Helicolenus dactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809), in the Sea of Marmara with morphometrical and bioecological notes

On 9 August 2024 two specimens of Helicolenus dactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809) were caught by means of a scientific bottom-trawl hauling towed at a depth range between 143 and 188 m, at the central sector of the Sea of Marmara. After more than 30 years since the last occurrence of H. dactylopterus in the region, the capture of only two specimens does not represent more than confirmation of the current presence of the species in the Sea of Marmara. However, this record is also a significant finding revealing that life still exists in the deep regions of the Sea of Marmara and therefore action must be taken to prevent habitat and biodiversity loss.