Where is the bonito? They are over there.

Following the end of the fishing ban in the seas across the country on September 1, the fishing boats preparing to set sail have completed their preparations for the new fishing season. Fishermen will set sail on September 1, saying ‘Vira Bismillah’ for the new fishing season. Expressing hope for a fruitful season with bonito, fishermen believe they will have a bountiful season.

The fishing ban period for trawlers and purse seiners, which started on April 15, will end on September 1. The boats that will set sail on September 1 have started to wait, having completed their final preparations after 4.5 months. The boats that will set sail from the port in the Yoroz area of Trabzon stated that they will be chasing bonito in the new fishing season, saying, ‘Wherever the bonito goes, we will follow.’

High Expectations from Bonito
Emre Köroğlu, one of the boat owners, noted that their expectations from bonito are high this season, saying, ‘We have high hopes for bonito this year. If we look at the situation in the sea, this year’s bonito looks good. Our expectations are better this year compared to last year. Last year, there wasn’t much. However, this year’s outlook is better. It seems to be a good start for bonito; if there is a situation where bonito is not available, we will look for horse mackerel. We hope there will be bonito this year, and it would be great if there is also anchovy. The sea water temperature looks good right now; it is suitable for bonito. We will head wherever bonito is after departing from Yoroz port.’

Preparations Completed
Köroğlu stated that they have completed their preparations for the new season, saying, ‘We have almost finished all our work. As in every season, we have repaired our nets and maintained the boat; we are ready for the season. The starting price for fish is reasonable for us; hopefully, it will get even better. We want our citizens to always eat cheaply. We are far behind other countries in fish consumption, and we want it to increase.’

Mehmet Genç, another boat owner, stated, ‘It is said that there will be a lot of bonito this year. Hopefully, just like anchovy, bonito will also make us happy. Everyone will chase after their livelihood. Last year, there was no bonito, but anchovy was very good. This year, things have turned around; there is bonito, but there is a bit of disappointment with anchovy. However, we hope there will be anchovy as well. In the new season, we have done everything from painting the boat to repairing the nets. The expenses are very heavy; the cost of fuel and the advances paid to the crew are very high.’

Route to Ereğli and Sinop
Genç mentioned that he hopes citizens will eat affordable bonito this year, saying, ‘In the new season, our route will be determined by the condition of the fish, and most likely we will start from the Ereğli and Sinop areas. Because the fish continuously comes from that side, we are inclined to head toward those areas. Hopefully, there will be abundant fishing this year, and citizens will be able to eat bonito at a low price.’