Fishermen in the Mediterranean took their fishing boats for maintenance

With the end of the fishing season in the Mediterranean, fishermen from Mersin have taken their fishing boats for maintenance. The boats pulled ashore undergo caulking, repairs, puttying, and painting processes, after which they are lowered back into the sea for engine and net maintenance.
Mersin, with a coastline of 321 kilometers on the Mediterranean, relies significantly on fishing for economic income. Many fishermen throughout Mersin have docked their boats in harbors due to the fishing ban that started on April 15, which is when they earn their living. After a month of rest, the boats pulled ashore are now taken for maintenance on land. The boats undergo caulking, repairs, puttying, and painting processes first. Once these procedures are completed, the boats are lowered back into the sea and their machinery is installed. It was noted that a month before the fishing season opens on September 15, fishermen will start with the maintenance of fishing nets. Maintenance of not only fishermen’s boats but also other boats used for various purposes at sea is being carried out at the Erdemli Fishermen’s Shelter.

“Net maintenance starts after the boat is fully operational”
Berkay Bilgiç, the Vice President of the Erdemli Fisheries Cooperative, mentioned that they have lowered a boat currently under maintenance into the sea, stating, “We had pulled it ashore a month ago. The owner has completed the maintenance, and now we are lowering it back into the sea.” Bilgiç emphasized that since the season is closed, boat maintenance is being performed. He added, “After being brought back to sea, there is a process of getting it operational. It involves the boat running, the engines and winch being active. Net maintenance starts after the boat is fully operational.” Providing information about maintenance done on land, Bilgiç said special attention is paid to paint and propeller maintenance.

Mechanical Engineer Kadir Sağlam, who mentioned that their boats are undergoing maintenance, said, “During this period, we are conducting maintenance on both the fishermen’s boats and our own. Currently, our boat had welding works done, the primer is being applied, then it will be painted, and finally, we will take it back to the sea.”