Fishery

Fishermen from the earthquake-hit city of Kahramanmaraş, the epicenter of the deadly Feb. 6, 2023 twin earthquakes, have made a remarkable recovery and are now exporting fish to 54 countries.

Described as "the disaster of the century," the earthquake devastated 11 southern provinces, but the resilience of local fish producers has seen the industry bounce back.

With just a few days remaining until the fishing ban is lifted, fishermen eagerly anticipate casting their nets into seas, hoping for a bountiful season with abundant catches of bonito and bluefish.

The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry has imposed a ban on the fishing of some endemic species, according to a new regulation published in the Official Gazette on Aug. 11.

The number of fish caught in the country has significantly dwindled compared to 2000, with a 50 percent decrease observed over the past 24 years, an expert has warned.

The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry aims to increase the catches of Turkish vessels and obtain new fishing grounds, especially in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, by completing fisheries agreements with 12 African countries and continuing negotiations with 15 more countries.

The European Union will spend 3.5 billion euros ($3.71 billion) to protect the ocean and promote sustainability through a series of initiatives this year, the EU's top environment official said on Tuesday.

Bulgarians consume nearly 7 kg of fish per year, and this is the lowest amount compared to other European countries. This became clear during a discussion organized by the Association "For Affordable and Quality Food" and the Association of Fishery Products Producers.

It is expected that the demand and quality of fish products in Bulgaria will grow in the future.

Following the end of a five-month ban, the fishing season has kicked off in Türkiye, with experts foreseeing plenty of bonito in the Black Sea.

Some 262,297 tons of fish were caught in seas surrounding Turkey in 2021, with the anchovy topping the list, the country's official statistical institution, TÜİK, announced.

"When the distribution of sea fish caught was examined, the highest quantity is anchovy with some 151,598 tons," TÜİK said in a statement on June 2.

The amount of fish caught in 2021 has decreased across the country, while water pollution and overfishing have reduced the fish stock in the Black Sea, according to an expert.

Stressing especially on overfishing, Ahmet Şahin from Sürmene Marine Sciences Faculty of Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ), warned, "The amount of fish caught in the Black Sea decreased visibly."