Istanbul's fishing season begins: Freshly caught produce streams into local markets

In the bustling fishing ports of Istanbul, the new season has begun, bringing a mix of good news and challenges for local fishermen and seafood enthusiasts.

According to Mehmet Karlıdag, a well-known vendor in the city, the season opened well, but there's a noticeable absence of bonito, a seasonal favourite. This year, the market is teeming with smaller fish such as anchovies, horse mackerel, whiting, and red mullet, providing a welcome variety for consumers.

The scarcity of bonito could have a silver lining, as Mehmet believes it might benefit smaller fish stocks, allowing them to flourish. In fact, the current season has seen an abundance of anchovies and horse mackerel, with prices dropping by half since the fishing ban ended. Today, these fish are selling for around ₺200-₺250 per kilo in Istanbul.

The fishing ban, which began on June 15 and was lifted on September 1, was implemented to protect marine stocks. The four-and-a-half-month break seems to have done its job, as the season is expected to be strong for anchovy, horse mackerel, and bluefish.

In contrast, the number of bonito fish is very low. One bonito can consume 2-3 kilos of anchovies, according to Mehmet, which might explain the abundance of smaller fish and the subsequent drop in their prices. Bonito, where available, is selling at ₺300-₺350 per fish.

The changes in sea temperature and overfishing have affected the bonito population, causing the species to arrive in very low numbers this year. However, fishermen predict more bluefish and sarikanat (a smaller variety of bluefish) to arrive in the coming weeks, offering some relief to those who have been missing their bonito fix.

Despite the low numbers of bonito, the current fishing season in Istanbul offers a variety of options. Species like anchovies and herrings are highly available due to favourable seasonal migration patterns. Two kilos of fish can easily feed a family of six, making this season a cost-effective one for seafood lovers.

As the fishermen of Istanbul return with the first catches of the new season, it's clear that the city's seafood scene is adapting to the changes. With the abundance of smaller fish and the predicted arrival of more bluefish, it seems that the city's seafood lovers have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Istanbul's fishing season begins: Freshly caught produce streams into local markets