Lessepsian migration

Lessepsian migration refers to the movement of marine species from the Red Sea into the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. Since the canal opened in 1869, it has allowed species native to the Red Sea to expand their range into the Mediterranean, often establishing new populations there. This migration can impact local ecosystems by introducing new competitors, predators, or diseases, potentially disrupting existing marine communities. It is named after Ferdinand de Lesseps, who oversaw the canal's construction, highlighting the human-made connection that facilitates this natural but largely unintended process.