Turkish fishermen prepare for September 1 fishing season

Turkish fishermen are completing final preparations ahead of the new fishing season beginning on September 1, following the end of the ban that started on April 15. Preparations in regions such as Ordu, Trabzon, Samsun, and Sinop include vessel maintenance, net repairs, and equipment upgrades, including the expansion of ice machine capacities.

Industry experts and local cooperatives report high expectations for a bountiful season, particularly for bonito (palamut). Observations in the Black Sea and Marmara Sea suggest significant bonito density, which contrasts with the previous season when bonito yields were low despite record anchovy catches. While bonito is expected to be abundant, some fishermen note that high bonito populations often correlate with lower anchovy availability.

Kenan Balcı, founder of the Turkey Marine Life Museum, noted that bonito, anchovy, and sardines are appearing frequently in various regions, which could benefit both domestic consumption and seafood exports. In Samsun, early bonito catches have been seen with prices ranging between 50 TL and 150 TL, with expectations that prices will decrease as fish sizes increase. Additionally, AK Party Trabzon Deputy Adil Karaismailoğlu met with local fishermen in Çarşıbaşı to discuss sector needs and ongoing developments.