The ban on fishing was lifted 40 days ago, and the abundance of fish continues in the seas. In Bandırma Fish Market in Balıkesir, it feels like a bonito festival is taking place.

Bonitos that were averaging 500 grams in September have now reached up to 1000 grams per piece towards the middle of October. Despite the increase in size, the price of bonitos remains the same as in September.

As the fishing season has opened, fishermen continue to bring bonitos to Bandırma Fish Market. While the variety of fish offered for sale in Bandırma Fish Market increases day by day, with the weather starting to cool down, an increase in the amount of fish caught is expected. Bonitos, which were 500 grams on September 1st, have now reached up to 1 kilogram. Fisherman Barış Yıldız expressed that there is an abundance of bonitos in the new season and people are happy. Yıldız stated that the fish stalls are full of fish and mostly bonitos are coming in, and people are choosing affordable fish. “IT’S THE BEST TIME TO FREEZE AND SALT FOR STORAGE” Yıldız said, “The abundance of bonito is cheering up our stalls, and people are happy too. As of September 1st, after the fishing ban was lifted, the price per piece was between 70-100 TL for around 500 grams. It has been 40 days and now it is around 1 kilogram 100 grams. The price per piece is 100 TL. Additionally, we are selling sardines for 100 TL per kilogram and anchovies for 200 TL per kilogram. Usually, bonitos are coming in. It’s a very suitable time to freeze for storage and salt preservation. The price of bonito is very reasonable, and I can say it is the best time for storage and salting. With the cooling weather, we will continue to have a high amount of bonito. I invite our citizens to eat fish.” Yıldız added that they expect an increase in the variety of fish with the cooling weather.