THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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September, 2026…
Fishermen in the Aegean region have enjoyed the most bountiful start to the season in recent years, having completed the first 10 days of the fishing season that began on September 1st.
Several factors have positively influenced fish populations in the Aegean Sea; winter and spring rainfall enriched the marine nutrient environment; strong mid-summer winds kept sea temperatures cooler and more stable compared to the previous year and fishing activity was lower during the last season.
Fishermen setting out from port are returning to shore with full boats. Nets in the Aegean are catching large quantities of sardines, anchovies, horse mackerel and chub mackerel.
“An incredible amount of fish”
Şahin Çakan, Chair of the İzmir Fishery Businessmen’s Association, told an Anadolu Agency (AA) reporter that there has been a surge in activity in the short time since the fishing ban was lifted.
Noting the strong start to the season, Çakan said, “We haven’t seen a season this bountiful since 2005. The season is going very well this year. There is an incredible amount of bonito in the Black Sea. In the Aegean, sardines, anchovies, chub mackerel and horse mackerel are being caught in abundance. Compared to last year and previous years, the fish are meatier and plumper this year. This indicates that the fish are finding plenty of food in the seas.”
Attributing this abundance to the rainfall during the winter and spring months, Çakan added, “We link this to the contribution the rains made to the fish developing roe. This is one of the major factors making the fishing season so plentiful and bountiful.”
Highlighting that the drop in seawater temperature also played a role, Çakan concluded, “There is an incredible amount of fish. Our boat owners and suppliers are making a profit. This positive impact will also be reflected for the public. I hope for a year of abundance, prosperity and affordable prices. Boats have significant fixed costs, such as labor and fuel. Our tradespeople are earning well; every boat returns to port with a full catch. Last year, we had to end the fishing season early due to weather conditions and costs. This year, however, everyone—from tradespeople and merchants to the fishermen themselves—is satisfied.”
