Turkey fishing season sees high yields and lower prices

The opening of the 2026-2027 fishing season in Turkey has brought an unexpected abundance of various fish species, leading to a significant decrease in market prices. In the Mediterranean, fishermen reported a high yield of red mullet, silverfish, and sardines. Notably, the rare 'camel fish' (deve balığı), which lives in deep waters, was caught during the initial hauls in Mersin and is being sold for 250 TL per kilogram.

In the Aegean and Black Sea regions, a rare phenomenon has been observed where both bonito (palamut) and anchovy (hamsi) are abundant simultaneously. This overlap is unusual as bonito typically prey on anchovies. The abundance has driven prices down, making fish a more affordable alternative to red meat. For instance, bonito is being sold for approximately 100-125 TL per piece, and anchovies are priced between 150-250 TL per kilogram.

While certain species like bluefish (lüfer), bluefish (çinekop), and turbot (kalkan) remain scarce and expensive, the current season is providing relief to both fishermen and consumers due to the high volume of available stock.