Experts issue warning: Anchovies may be missing from our tables next year

With the fishing season that began on September 1 in the Eastern Black Sea, fishermen continue to cast their nets into the sea. Anchovies, which were caught in limited quantities last season and were particularly on the agenda due to debates over legal catch sizes, have been abundant in the Black Sea. This abundance has lowered anchovy prices, but attention has been drawn to the issue of 'overfishing'.

KTÜ Faculty of Forestry, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management Lecturer Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kocabaş stated that the bonito, which was caught in large quantities last year, has decreased, and said that the same situation could happen with anchovies next season. Prof. Dr. Kocabaş said, "We had said that we would barely see bonito this year. Bonito is appearing now, but only as samples. Anchovies are more dominant at the stalls. There is also some whiting and horse mackerel available."

WE MAY NOT SEE THEM AT THE STALLS

"If this fishing pressure continues, we may not be able to see them at the stalls in a short time. There is a large industry based on anchovies, such as fish meal factories. Anchovies roam the Black Sea coast, and our boats are in pursuit. Conservation measures must always be implemented. The state must carry out inspections in the strictest manner, and penalties must be deterrent. Real fishermen must be protected," he said.

News Source: 12punto