Abundance of Bonito, Scarcity of Anchovy Found by Fishermen This Season – News Update on Turkey's Fisheries
Hunting Season Comes to an End to Ensure Sustainability of Fisheries
The hunting season, which started on September 1, 2022, will come to an end tomorrow to protect the fishery products in sea and inland waters and to ensure the sustainability of hunting. According to Ramazan Özkaya, Chairman of the Fisheries Cooperatives Central Union, fishermen will begin preparations by tying their boats and looking after their nets during this process.
Özkaya explained that the fishermen did not have the best season in terms of catch, with a lower yield of fish caught than last year. The bonito was exceptional this season, but anchovy fishing had to be stopped in the Marmara Sea, Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits from February 21 until the end of the season. Horse mackerel and bluefish, however, were found at an average level with no issues at the stalls.
Some boats were required to be moored earlier than expected this season because of the anchovy fishing ban, which was beneficial for sustainability. Özkaya points out that it is vital for fishermen to comply with the bans concerning abundance in the seas. He said that if fishing is done according to the rules, the seas can be left for future generations.
Özkaya stresses that quotas and regional fishing practices should be introduced for sustainability. With quotas, boats that have reached their quota should not hunt. Small fish that do not qualify can also be avoided to preserve the resources. Determining which fish species can be caught in which zone and how they can be caught should be identified.
Moreover, Özkaya calls for support for the fishermen in Hatay, particularly those affected by the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake that occurred on February 6. After that event, the fishermen damaged as they were unable to fish and sell their catch. The support given to fishermen, up to 6,000 liras, should be increased to 20,000 liras for the earthquake zone.
The end of the hunting season marks a crucial time to ensure that fishing is sustainable and respects the environment, allowing fish populations to recover and thrive.
