Fishing ban ends, nets cast back into the sea in Istanbul

The 2025-2026 fishing season officially opened in Istanbul as of September 1. As the fishing ban, which had been in effect since April 15, came to an end, fishermen set sail at midnight and welcomed the season with the words "Vira Bismillah."

The opening of the new season was held at the Beykoz Poyrazköy Fishing Shelter with the participation of Istanbul Governor Davut Gül and Istanbul Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Suat Parıldar. It was noted that thanks to Istanbul's 661-kilometer coastline and the migratory fish passing through the Straits, it is one of the leading cities in Turkey's aquaculture production. There are 2,001 registered fishing vessels in the city, and 18,077 people operate with a Commercial Aquaculture Fishing License. While it was recalled that the Gürpınar Seafood Market is the largest fish market in Europe, it was emphasized that Istanbul holds a central position in fish trade due to its logistical advantages.

GOVERNOR GÜL'S "GOOSE THAT LAYS THE GOLDEN EGGS" ANALOGY

Speaking at the ceremony, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül touched upon the importance of sustainable fishing. Gül stated the following:

"We talk about sustainability. You know, I have read all the books on it. There is this matter of the goose that lays the golden eggs. The goose that lays the golden eggs actually describes the fishing sector very well. If we do not follow the rules, if we do not enforce the rules, or if we make the rules as any sector dictates, we will have killed the goose that lays the golden eggs. In that respect, there is nothing left to be discovered. There is nothing unknown. I hope that, starting with the valuable commission of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, our Ministry of Agriculture, our chambers, and our tradesmen friends involved in fishing, the problems will be solved one by one in time, as long as nature allows. On this occasion, I wish the season to be auspicious for all of you, for our Istanbul, and for our Turkey."

Following the speech, fishermen cast their nets into the sea as of midnight.

INSPECTIONS AND SUPPORT CONTINUE

Officials stated that inspections during the fishing season are being carried out on a 24/7 basis. It was reported that a total of 14,269 inspections have been conducted in Istanbul since September 1, 2024. Furthermore, it was announced that state support provided to small-scale fishermen and female fishers continues in 2025. In this context, a total of 12 million 692 thousand TL in support payments was made to 1,428 fishing vessels.

News Source: İHA