Fishermen in Bitlis are requesting that the fishing ban period be moved to March 15 instead of April 15 in order to protect the declining population of pearl mullet in Lake Van. The pearl mullet population has been decreasing due to poaching, with approximately 15,000 people relying on them for their livelihoods. The fishermen also mention pollution in the lake as a factor that is harming the fish population and causing the death of seagulls who rely on the fish for food.