Ministry Teams Tighten Fish Size Inspections on Counters
· Google Haberler
With the opening of the fishing season, size standards are being inspected for fish reaching the counters, with fishing below 25 cm for bonito and 9 cm for anchovy not permitted.
Size Inspections Begin on Counters
Following the opening of the general fishing season on September 1st, fishing boats have cast their nets into the sea. As the first catches of the season reach the counters, teams from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry have launched comprehensive inspections at landing points, fishing shelters, transport vehicles, and retail sales points. During field controls conducted in Şile district of Istanbul, teams used special measuring rulers to examine one by one the compliance of products on display with legal fishing standards.
Minimum Size Limits by Species
Legal limits have been clarified in line with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Communiqué No. 6/1 on the Regulation of Commercial Fishing of Aquatic Products, covering the period from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2028. Within the scope of the communiqué, a minimum size of 25 centimeters for bonito, 20 centimeters for Atlantic mackerel, and 18 centimeters for bluefish has been determined. The fishing, transportation, or commercial sale of aquatic products below these sizes has been strictly prohibited.
Bonito and Torik Size Differences
The fact that the bonito species takes on different commercial names according to its growth stages does not change the legal minimum limit of 25 centimeters. In the sector, fish measuring 0-10 cm are called 'vonoz', 10-20 cm are called 'gaco', and 20-30 cm are called 'çingene palamudu'. As the fish grow, terms like 'kestane palamudu' for 40-45 cm, 'zindandelen' for 45-50 cm, 'torik' for 50-60 cm, 'sivri' for 60-65 cm, 'altıparmak' for 65-70 cm, and 'peçuta' for over 75 cm are used.
Precise Measurement for Anchovy and Horse Mackerel
A legal minimum size rule of 9 centimeters is applied to anchovies displayed in bulk, and 13 centimeters for horse mackerel. Although it is difficult for consumers to distinguish by eye due to bulk sales, a one-centimeter difference directly affects reproductive potential. Sales of the bluefish species under different names such as 'çinekop' or 'sarıkanat' do not bend the 18-centimeter rule. Measurements are taken on a straight line from the front tip of the head to the longest tip of the tail fin.
Consumer Awareness for Stock Protection
The primary goal of legal fishing size limits is to allow fish to reproduce at least once in their life cycle. The non-purchase of small fish directly breaks the economic demand for illegal fishing. Citizens who detect the sale of small fish in violation of regulations by reporting the situation to provincial or district Agriculture and Forestry directorates or the Alo 158 Coast Guard Reporting Line make a direct contribution to the future of the marine ecosystem.