Mersin fishermen: Demand for fish increased as meat prices rose

On April 15, the ban on sea fishing began for industrial seine and trawl fishing vessels. The variety of fish, which was 40-50 before the ban in Mersin, decreased to 15, but this was not reflected in prices.

While the fresh fish of the day takes its place on the counters, the interest of the citizens is intense because of the price. Vice President of the Mersin Fishermen’s Association Adnan Polat noted that the fishing ban, which started on April 15, will be opened on September 15.

Stating that the variety of fish has decreased due to the ban, Polat said: “Currently, trawling and purse seine fishing are prohibited. Fishing continues in international waters beyond 12 miles. We have big ships sailing now. We also got daily fresh fish. The variety of fish, which was 40-50, dropped to 15 varieties,” he said.

‘FISH FITS EVERY BUDGET’

Noting that there is suitable fish for all budgets on the counters, Polat said: “There is an increase in meat prices every year due to the month of Ramadan. This has been an advantage for us. Under normal circumstances, our fish sales would decrease during these months, but currently our fish sales are very good. There is a great demand for our people. Our fish prices are also very good. We sell omega 3 tank sardines, which come out 12 months of the year, for 40-50 TL. We have mullet again, it costs 40-50 TL. Silverfish is around 60-70 TL, bream and sea bass around 100 TL. So there is fish for all budgets. It is very suitable for meat, ”he said. (DHA)