With the end of the fishing ban in the Aegean Sea, fishermen have made a strong start to the season. Boats setting out from the ports are returning to shore with larger quantities of sardines, anchovies, horse mackerel and chub mackerel caught in their nets.
Şahin Çakan, chairman of the İzmir Association of Fishing Businesspeople, said the season had one of its most abundant starts since 2005. Çakan said large quantities of sardines, anchovies, chub mackerel and horse mackerel were being caught in the Aegean, while bonito was also plentiful in the Black Sea.
Çakan said the fish were meatier and in better condition than in previous years, adding that conditions at sea had become more favorable for fish feeding. He said the season had gained significant momentum in a short time and that boats were returning to port full.
Rainfall and sea temperatures played a role
Çakan identified rainfall during the winter and spring months as one of the main reasons for the abundant catch. He said the rain had contributed to fish spawning and that sea temperatures had remained more balanced and cooler than last year.
Çakan said boat owners, workers and suppliers in the fishing industry were benefiting from the increased activity and that he expected the positive impact to reach consumers as well. He also highlighted high fixed costs such as labor and fuel, saying the fishing season had ended early last year because of weather conditions and costs, while fishermen and traders were pleased this year.
Experts highlight reduced fishing pressure
Prof. Dr. Zafer Tosunoğlu, a faculty member at Ege University’s Faculty of Fisheries, said overfishing and fishing pressure were the most important factors affecting fisheries. Tosunoğlu said fish yields in the seas increased as fishing pressure declined.
Tosunoğlu said the early completion of the fishing season by many boats in January last year had reduced fishing pressure, adding that spring was the spawning season for many fish species in the Aegean. He said inspections aimed at preventing illegal fishing had also contributed to this year’s positive picture.
Tosunoğlu said winter and spring rainfall had balanced sea temperatures and had a positive effect on oxygen levels. He said the freshwater carried into the sea by rivers created a nutrient-rich environment, adding that this environment contributed to fish feeding and reproduction.
