International Bodrum Fish Festival Kicks Off in Karaincir

October 2, 2026 · DHA

The 2nd International Bodrum Fish Festival, held in Turkey's Bodrum district, opened its doors with a ceremony releasing 6,000 juvenile fish into the sea.

The 2nd International Bodrum Fish Festival (BoBaFest 2026), held in Turkey's Bodrum district, commenced with a widely attended ceremony in Akyarlar's Karaincir Bay. Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Muğla Governorship, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, and Bodrum District Governorship, the event will welcome visitors for three days from October 2nd to 4th. The opening program was attended by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras, Bodrum District Governor Ali Sırmalı, Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci, and Muğla Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Seyfeddin Baydar.

Nearly 50 stands set up within the festival showcase regional delicacies and aquatic products. The scope of the organization, which attracted over 30,000 visitors in a single day last year, has been further expanded this year. Throughout the event, gastronomy workshops, academic panels, documentary screenings, and producer meetings are being held.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras highlighted the extension of the tourism season and the development of maritime culture, stating:

Following the official opening speeches and a plaque ceremony for contributing stakeholders, protocol members descended to Karaincir beach. To strengthen marine populations and draw attention to sustainable fishing practices, 6,000 juvenile fish were released into the sea under the leadership of the festival committee. The release of the juvenile fish into the water was closely followed with great interest by local and foreign tourists on the shore. This biological replenishment effort aims to strengthen local aquatic product stocks.

Bodrum District Governor Ali Sırmalı commented on the historical and economic significance of the aquatic products sector for Bodrum, stating:

Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci emphasized the decisive role of fishing and maritime activities in the city's economic dynamics, pointing to the necessity of ecosystem protection:

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