Fishermen Set Sail for New Season in Istanbul
· Tarım Pusulası
With the end of the general fishing ban marked by a ceremony at Istanbul's Kireçburnu Fishermen's Pier, fishermen have declared 'Vira Bismillah' for the 2026-2027 season, anticipating an abundance of bonito.
New Fishing Season Opens in Kireçburnu
The 2026-2027 Fishing Season has officially begun with a ceremony held at the Kireçburnu Fishermen's Pier in Sarıyer, Istanbul. Sadettin Doğu, Head of the Fisheries and Aquatic Products Branch at the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, stated that the general fishing ban ended at 12:00 AM midnight, announcing:
"At 12:00 AM, the general fishing ban will end, and our fishermen will cast their nets into the seas."
Istanbul Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Suat Parıldar, wished for a prosperous season, saying:
"May God grant success to your endeavors and bless your earnings."
Emphasis on Sustainable Fishing and Inspections
During the ceremony, the protection of marine resources, adherence to fish size standards, and compliance with fishing bans were highlighted. Melih Er, Head of the Department of Resource Management and Fisheries Structures at the General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquatic Products, spoke on the matter:
"As the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, we will continue our controls and inspections."
Department Head Melih Er further emphasized the goal of inspections in protecting fish stocks, stating:
"Our aim is not to issue fines, but to ensure sustainability and maintain the balance between conservation and utilization."
Sami Türkmenli, Deputy Provincial Director, also stressed the importance of keeping the seas clean.
Fishermen's Expectations for a Bountiful Season and Bonito Catch
Supported by the "Vira Bismillah" (Let's start in the name of God) wishes from Deputy Provincial Directors Abdullah Bora Kumbasar and Yüksel Maviş of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, fishermen experienced the excitement of heading out to sea. One fisherman, starting the season with hope, summarized his work at sea with the phrase:
"We are going out to earn our bread."
Producers expressed their expectation for an abundance of bonito this year. During the program, where wishes were made for aquatic products to reach consumers' tables fresh and healthy, children also thanked the fishermen and wished for a productive new season.