started · updated
Turkey fishing season begins with high palamut yields
The 2026-2027 fishing season has officially commenced in Turkey following the end of the fishing ban. Across various coastal regions, including the Black Sea, Aegean, and Mediterranean, fishermen have returned to the waters, reporting a significant abundance of palamut (bonito). This high supply has led to relatively stable or decreasing prices for consumers, with palamut and anchovy (hamsi) being the primary products on market stalls.
In response to the new season, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has implemented new regulations, opening 22 previously restricted ship anchoring zones for fishing activities across 16 ports to support the industry. These activities are subject to strict maritime safety protocols, including the mandatory use of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and continuous radio monitoring.
While the season shows economic promise, industry representatives and local officials have raised concerns regarding rising operational costs such as fuel and equipment maintenance. Additionally, environmental issues remain a priority, with divers highlighting the damage caused by “ghost nets” in the Saros Gulf. Stakeholders are calling for continued support for small-scale fishermen and enhanced measures to protect marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable production.
Entities
Aegean Sea · Black Sea · Kocaeli · Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure · Saros Gulf · Sinan Işım · Turkey · Turkish Union of Chambers of Agriculture
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Fishing boats operating in anchoring areas are required to keep high-frequency marine radios and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) active. www.habermeydan.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Aquaculture products accounted for 60.4 percent of Turkey's total aquatic products production in 2025. www.nigdehaber.com.tr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Muğla has 4,614 registered fishermen, including 537 women. milasonder.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The 22 newly opened anchoring areas are located across 16 ports in the Black Sea, Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean seas. www.habermeydan.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Muğla accounts for approximately 26 percent of Turkey's aquatic products farming. milasonder.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Anchovy was the top produced species in Turkey, totaling 245,261 tons. www.nigdehaber.com.tr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Turkey's total aquatic products production reached 1,037,019 tons in 2025, an 11.1 percent increase from the previous year. www.nigdehaber.com.tr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure opened 22 ship anchoring areas for fishing during the 2026-2027 season. www.habermeydan.com