Date set for fishing ban in seas

The fishing ban period, implemented to protect aquatic product stocks in seas and inland waters and to pass on biological diversity to future generations, will begin on April 15 and continue until August 31. Within the scope of the regulation enacted in line with scientific and environmental data, industrial purse seine and trawling vessels will cease their operations between these dates. On the other hand, it was stated that these vessels may fish in international waters provided that they comply with the established rules.

SPECIES-BASED BANS ANNOUNCED

Special fishing bans for certain species have also been scheduled under the Communiqué on the Regulation of Commercial Aquatic Product Fishing Numbered 6/1. Accordingly, the ban for turbot will be applied between April 15 and June 15. Shrimp fishing, excluding gillnets, will be under the ban during the period of April 15 to August 31.

While the harvesting of carpet shells, venus clams, scallops, and oysters will be halted between April 15 and August 31, the ban for dolphinfish, leerfish, and amberjack will be valid between April 15 and May 15. Sea cucumber harvesting will be banned between May 1 and October 31, octopus fishing between April 15 and October 31, and blue crab fishing between May 1 and September 30.

STOCK DECLARATION OBLIGATION INTRODUCED

The sale, transport, and processing of products prohibited from being caught during the ban period will also be included in the scope of the ban. Businesses that have products in their stocks caught before the start of the ban will be required to apply to Provincial or District Directorates within 24 hours following the start of the ban to have their stocks verified. Businesses that do not perform this procedure will not be permitted to sell or export their products.

SMALL-SCALE FISHERMEN EXEMPTED

Despite the restrictions on industrial fishing, small-scale fishermen engaged in traditional coastal fishing have been excluded from the ban. Provided that they comply with the provisions of the communiqué, fishermen using methods such as gillnets and handlines will be able to continue their activities.

INSPECTIONS WILL CONTINUE UNINTERRUPTED

It was reported that inspections will be increased as part of the fight against illegal fishing, particularly in İzmir, which stands out with its 629-kilometer coastline. It was stated that controls to be carried out at landing points, fishing shelters, transport routes, and sales areas will continue uninterrupted on a 24/7 basis.

News Source: İHA