Fish Abundance in Marmara Drives Down Prices on Market Stalls

September 29, 2026 · Tarım TV

Following the end of the fishing ban on September 1, the Marmara Sea has seen its most abundant fishing season in the last 10 years; high supply of bonito and anchovy has reflected in price tags.

The new fishing season, which began on September 1 with the lifting of the fishing ban in Istanbul, has brought significant activity to markets and stalls due to increased catches from the seas. Fishermen who set sail with the start of the season are returning to port with full boats, supported by favorable weather and sea conditions. Yaşar Gün, Chairman of the Istanbul Fishmongers' Chamber of Tradesmen, stated in a press release that fishing boats are returning with bountiful catches, expressing that this widespread activity across Marmara has greatly pleased both fishermen and retailers.

The notable increase in the volume of fish caught from the sea has positively impacted the price tags on market stalls. Yaşar Gün, Chairman of the Istanbul Fishmongers' Chamber of Tradesmen, commented on price stability as follows:

Gün noted that citizens are showing strong interest in fish thanks to the affordable prices, emphasizing that the high supply in the market creates a favorable situation for consumers.

Highlighting that the start of this year's season has been exceptionally productive compared to previous periods, Yaşar Gün, Chairman of the Istanbul Fishmongers' Chamber of Tradesmen, stated that boats are returning full to the ports, saying:

It was noted that the increase in fish populations has reached its highest level in the last 10 years, and thanks to the high tonnage caught, not only bonito but also other local species have found ample space in the market, completely eliminating supply shortages.

Stating that the decrease in water temperature with the progression of seasonal conditions will directly affect fish quality, Yaşar Gün, Chairman of the Istanbul Fishmongers' Chamber of Tradesmen, made the following statement:

Erkan Sarıyaprak, Chairman of the Kumkapı Fish Market Association, also confirmed the abundance brought by the new fishing season and made important statements. Stating that the increase in supply has eased market balances, Erkan Sarıyaprak, Chairman of the Kumkapı Fish Market Association, described the situation as follows:

The variety of products observed on the stalls allows for a rich source of protein to be offered on consumers' tables. Especially due to the high supply of bonito, anchovy, horse mackerel, whiting, and red mullet, there is intense shopping activity in the markets. Trade representatives note that the freshness and quantity of the caught products directly increase retail sales speed. The increased accessibility of seafood is also evaluated as one of the most important gains of the season for public health and balanced nutrition.

Drawing attention to seasonal eating habits so that consumers can get the most benefit and flavor from seafood, Erkan Sarıyaprak, Chairman of the Kumkapı Fish Market Association, shared his consumption recommendations with the following words:

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