Fishermen in Samsun opened the season by saying ‘vira bismillah’.

With the end of the fishing ban that started on April 15 in the seas on September 1, fishermen in Samsun opened the season by saying ‘vira bismillah’.

The fishing ban that started on April 15 for the healthy reproduction of fish in the seas across Turkey ended on September 1. Fishermen from Samsun, who had been eagerly waiting for September 1, set out to sea after completing all their preparations. A ceremony was held at the fishermen’s harbor in the Canik district with the participation of protocol members. During the ceremony, traditional dances were performed, prayers were said, and the fishermen were sent off to sea.

Samsun Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Sağlam stated, “Our country has a very rich geography. Many of our families earn their livelihood through fishing. Looking at the fishing season in Samsun’s 210 kilometers of coastline, we have 629 fishing vessels, of which 493 are in the seas and 131 in inland waters. Of these, 181 are over 12 meters. Looking at the previous year’s fishing season, the total catch across the country was 350,000 to 400,000 tons, while our province had a total catch of 59,800 tons. Samsun is the province with the highest catch in the Black Sea. Here, there are catches made primarily by mid-water trawling and purse seining. Among our most caught fish species are anchovy and sprat, along with bonito and whiting. Additionally, our factories that produce fish meal and oil are supplied with raw materials. In Samsun, we have a total of 9 fish processing facilities and 3 fish meal and oil factories. It contributes between 55 to 60 million dollars to our province’s economy,” he said.

Atıf Malkoç, the President of the Samsun Fisheries Cooperative, expressed hope for this season.

Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı, who attended the program, and Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Halit Doğan wished the fishermen a fruitful and prosperous season. The ceremony was also attended by CHP Samsun Member of Parliament Murat Çan, Coast Guard Black Sea Region Commander Rear Admiral Ahmet Bahadır, Tekkeköy Mayor Mustafa Candal, and department heads.