Turkey fishing season sees abundance of bonito

The start of the new fishing season in Turkey has brought an abundance of bonito (palamut) to markets across the Black Sea and Marmara regions. Fishermen report that the high supply is driving prices down, making fish a more affordable protein alternative to red meat.

In Samsun, the price for a single bonito has dropped to as low as 90 TL, prompting consumers to buy in bulk for winter storage. In other regions like Istanbul, Izmir, and Kırklareli, prices for bonito range between 100 and 150 TL per piece. Other seasonal varieties such as anchovy (hamsi) and horse mackerel (istavrit) are also widely available.

Fishermen note that as weather conditions cool and sea temperatures drop, the fish are expected to grow larger and more diverse species will become more common on the stalls. Industry representatives describe this as one of the most productive seasons in recent years, with high demand from citizens seeking both nutritional and economic benefits.