The meat for Eid al-Adha and temperatures reduced demand for fish
At Trabzon Fish Market, while various types of fish decorate the stalls, there is a lack of preference for fish among citizens, negatively impacting fishmongers' businesses. Fishermen expressed their anticipation for an increase in business after Eid al-Adha. They also noted a disappointing yield so far in the Swordfish fishing season, which began on June 15.
Fishmonger Ahmet Çoğalmış mentioned that their business declined due to reduced interest in fish during Eid al-Adha, saying, "Our business slowed down during Eid al-Adha, but I hope it will pick up again in a few days. Currently, farmed fish dominate, but we still offer a variety of other types. Prices are as follows: horse mackerel 200-250 TL, large horse mackerel 400 TL, whiting, mullet 100 TL, 250-300 TL, sea bass, gilt-head bream 250-300 TL. Recently, Arab tourists have shown more interest in fish, typically preferring species like gilt-head bream, salmon, and sea bass."
Regarding Swordfish fishing, Çoğalmış noted the season has started but yields have been minimal: "Swordfish season has begun, but catches have been scarce, resulting in higher prices ranging from 1,000 to 1,100 TL per kilogram. Last year, there were more catches. Additionally, horse mackerel stocks have declined lately compared to previous years when they were more abundant and cheaper. Trabzon locals show less interest in fish during hot weather, often perceiving the season's end as the end of fish availability. Therefore, line fishing continues throughout the summer."
