Fishing Ban Only Few Days Left
The countdown has begun for the end of the fishing ban. As September 1st approaches, fishermen have accelerated their preparations to set sail. Having completed their boat maintenance and repairs, fishermen are eagerly awaiting the start of the fishing season, saying “Vira Bismillah.”
Citizens Should Prepare to Consume Plenty of Fish
Fisherman Kenan Balcı, founder of the Turkish Marine Life Museum, said he expects bonito to be plentiful once the hunting ban is lifted. Balcı said, “The bonito currently weighs an average of 30 grams. However, after September 1, this weight will increase to 500 grams.”
Fishermen’s faces have started to smile with the bonitos that started to be seen in the seas. This year, citizens are expected to have their fill of bonitos. However, some fishermen are expressing their concerns about uncontrolled and illegal fishing.
Balcı, who stated that they are expecting a bountiful and fruitful season, said, “The fact that bonito appears so early indicates that plenty of bonito will be caught in the new season. The fastest growing fish species in terms of development is bonito. Hopefully, our people will have the opportunity to consume plenty of bonito this season.”
Semih Kurt, Secretary General of the Istanbul Fishmongers Chamber of Tradesmen, summarized the situation by saying, “Bonito, bluefish, red mullet and whiting species have already started to appear in our seas. Bonito fishing will last for 1 or 1.5 months, then the anchor season will begin. There will be an abundance of fish this season. Prices will change depending on the amount of fish that will come out of the sea. The more fish that come out, the lower the prices will be. The supply and demand balance will determine the prices.”
