Samsun fishermen prepare for new season with abundant fish stocks

Turkish fishermen are preparing for the new fishing season beginning September 1, following the completion of boat and net maintenance. Atıf Malkoç, President of the Samsun Fisheries Cooperatives Regional Union, reported that there is an abundance of fish in the sea, specifically noting high quantities of bonito (palamut), horse mackerel (istavrit), and bluefish (çinekop).

Despite the high supply, Malkoç noted a decline in sales due to low consumer demand and high temperatures. He emphasized that while fish stocks are healthy and plentiful, the primary challenge facing the industry is the low rate of fish consumption among the public. The industry expects the market situation to stabilize once the large-scale purse seine and trawler fleets begin operations after the September 1 start date.