The 2026-2027 fishing season commenced on September 1, with fishermen hopeful as they set sail across Turkey's seas after a 4.5-month ban.
After approximately 4.5 months of fishing ban, the 2026-2027 fisheries season began on September 1. Boats set sail from the Black Sea, Marmara, and Aegean starting at midnight, while season openings were held in fishing centers across Turkey. Fishermen are hopeful for the new season.
The long-awaited day for the seas has arrived. With the end of the general fishing ban on September 1, fishermen set out to sea saying 'Vira Bismillah.' After about 4.5 months of maintenance and repair work, fishing boats reunited their nets with the sea.
The opening of the 2026-2027 Fisheries Season was held at the İzmir Güzelbahçe Yalı Fishing Harbor with the participation of Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı. Minister Yumaklı stated that there are 1,600 large-scale fishing vessels in Turkey, noting that last year a record production of 1 million 37 thousand tons of seafood was achieved, along with approximately 2.3 billion dollars in exports.
Yumaklı also announced that the operating credit limit for the fishing sector has been increased from 15 million lira to 40 million lira.
In Istanbul, nets were cast back into the sea.
In Istanbul, fishermen set sail after a ceremony held at the Sarıyer Kireçburnu Fishing Pier. After a break of approximately 4.5 months, fishermen said 'Vira Bismillah' at midnight and cast their nets into the Istanbul Strait and the Black Sea for the first catch of the season.
Following the first catches, activity also began at the Gürpınar Fish Market. Fishermen are particularly hopeful for bonito. In the early hours of the season, horse mackerel was prominent, while an increase in catches of bonito, anchovy, and other species is expected in the coming days.
In Samsun, horon, prayers, and fireworks.
The season opening in Samsun, one of the important fishing centers of the Black Sea, took place at the Canik Fishing Harbor. After horon and kolbastı performances, fishermen were sent off to sea with prayers. At midnight, boats set sail into the Black Sea saying 'Vira Bismillah.'
According to data from the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, there are 639 licensed fishing vessels in the city. Of these, 498 operate in the seas, while 141 operate in inland waters.
In Sinop, over 2,500 fishermen set sail.
In Sinop, the 2026-2027 fishing season began with a ceremony at the Sinop Pier. After prayers, fishermen set out to the Black Sea for the new season. It is expected that 2,503 professional fishermen will be at sea in the new season.
The same excitement in Trabzon, Ordu, Rize, and Giresun.
Season openings were consecutively held in the Eastern Black Sea region. Ceremonies were organized for the 2026-2027 Fisheries Season in Trabzon, Ordu, Rize, and Giresun.
In Trabzon, it was reported that 1,073 fishing vessels and 5,125 crew members had completed their preparations for the new season. Fishermen cast their nets into the Black Sea starting at midnight.
In Ordu, after a program held at the Fatsa Fishing Harbor, fishermen set sail saying 'Vira Bismillah.'
However, some specific fishing restrictions continue in the region. The ban on trawling remains in effect in the territorial waters between Taşkana Point in Ünye district of Ordu and the Georgian border.
In Bartın, the season opened with prayers.
In Amasra, located in the Western Black Sea, fishermen launched their boats for the new season. During the ceremony, prayers were offered, and it was reported that fishermen set sail with hopes for a bountiful and accident-free season.
In the Akçakoca district of Düzce, protective equipment was distributed to fishermen as part of the season opening. The district has 121 licensed fishing vessels and 746 licensed fishermen. It was announced that in 2025, 1,783 tons of seafood were caught in Akçakoca, of which 1,410 tons were anchovy.
Hope for bonito in Marmara.
Fishermen in Tekirdağ and Bursa also welcomed the new season with hope. At a ceremony held at Tekirdağ's Kumbağ Harbor, fishermen set sail after fireworks displays and prayers. Fishermen noted that bonito appears to be abundant this year, and they expect catches of bluefish and anchovy to increase in the coming period.
In Bursa's Gemlik district, the season opening took place at the fishing harbor in the Kurşunlu neighborhood. Fishermen set sail into Gemlik Bay saying 'Vira Bismillah,' and approximately 1,500 people were served fish during the ceremony.
In Çanakkale, boats met the sea.
The 2026-2027 Fisheries Season in Çanakkale began with a ceremony at the Kemer Village Fishing Harbor in Biga. Fishermen set sail into the sea saying 'Vira Bismillah' for the new season.
The season in the Aegean started from İzmir.
The Yalı Fishing Harbor in İzmir Güzelbahçe hosted the central opening of the season. At the ceremony attended by Minister Yumaklı, fishermen were sent off to sea for the new season.
Fishermen in the Aegean are particularly expecting a bountiful season for sardines and anchovies. In the Black Sea, bonito and anchovy are among the prominent species, while in Marmara, anchovy, horse mackerel, and bluefish are highlighted.
Different dates for the Mediterranean.
While the excitement of the season is felt across Turkey, there is an important detail: the general fishing ban in the Mediterranean will not end on September 1, but on September 15. Therefore, fishermen on the Mediterranean coast have two more weeks until the new season begins.
Will the fishermen's hope reflect on the table?
With the new season, fishermen's expectations are not only for their nets to be full. A bountiful season is anticipated to increase the supply of fish at the markets, positively affecting prices. At the season opening in Istanbul, it was expressed that a larger catch would help deliver fish to consumers at more affordable prices.
Moreover, one of the most important issues facing the sector is sustainable fishing. The ministry states that inspections will continue to ensure compliance with fishing regulations and the protection of fish stocks in the new season. The continuation of certain trawling and nearshore fishing restrictions in Black Sea provinces such as Ordu and Giresun is also part of this approach.
In short, the same phrase echoes in Turkey's fishing ports today: Vira Bismillah. The nearly five-month wait has ended, and boats are back at sea. Now, all eyes are on the first significant bounty to come from the nets.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
