As sea temperatures rise in the Black Sea, the availability of mackerel and anchovy at the markets has started to decrease.

The general fishing ban with bottom trawls and purse seine nets, which started on April 15 in the seas, ended on September 1.

Fishermen in the Black Sea region, who have completed their preparations for the new season, set sail into the sea saying “In the name of God”. While mackerel was abundant this year, making way for anchovy towards the end of the season, a decrease in fish variety was observed due to sea temperatures being above seasonal norms.

SEASON ENDING EARLY
It is stated that in Rize, the season is preparing to end early; mackerel and anchovy, decreasing on the counters every day, are being replaced by other types of fish. In the fish counters in Rize, kilogram of anchovy, horse mackerel, and red mullet are being sold for 150 liras, whiting for 300 liras, bonito for 100 liras, and sea bass for 350 liras. Fisherman Sönmez Birinci said, “Our season is going very well. We ran out of anchovy and mackerel. When the weather is warm, fish products decrease. But the best fish from the sea has started.” He said.

Birinci, who mentioned that the sea is warm and the anchovy has run out, said, “We hope for rain and snow so that the anchovy comes. There is anchovy, but it’s deep. It will come up when the weather gets cold.”