Istanbul and Tekirdağ witnessed an extraordinary “bonito rush” in the Marmara Sea, leading to over 500 tons of this highly sought-after fish being caught since the start of the year. This unprecedented abundance, unseen in 30-40 years, has generated approximately 250 million Turkish Liras for local fishermen and significantly lowered market prices.
Record-Breaking Fishing Season in Marmara Sea
The year 2026 has brought a remarkable development to Turkey’s fisheries, particularly in the Marmara Sea. Fishermen operating off the coasts of Istanbul and Tekirdağ have reported a “bonito rush,” a phenomenon where large schools of bonito, a larger variety of palamut (Atlantic bonito), are found in abundance. Each bonito caught typically weighs over 3 kilograms.
Experts note that such a scale of bonito abundance has not been observed in the region for three to four decades. This surge in catch follows a record-breaking year for Turkey’s aquaculture sector in 2025, with total production, including both fishing and farming, exceeding 1 million tons. Anchovy catches alone reached 245,000 tons, and seafood exports surpassed 2.2 billion dollars, contributing significantly to the national economy.
Economic Impact and Price Reduction
The 500 tons of bonito caught since January 1st have translated into an estimated 250 million Turkish Liras in revenue for fishermen. This increased supply has also had a direct impact on market prices. Serdar Can, a board member of the Istanbul Seafood Commission Agents Association (İSKOMDER), stated that bonito, once a rare and expensive commodity, is now more frequently gracing dinner tables.
“Previously, a pair of bonito would cost around 8,000 liras. Since January 1st, prices have dropped to as low as 3,500 liras,” Can explained. He added that while bonito is traditionally used for lakerda (cured fish), its increased availability this year has led to a rise in fresh consumption.
Fishermen’s Perspectives on the Unusual Season
Fishing boat captains have also highlighted the unusual nature of the current season. Captain Doğan Ege, a 25-year veteran whose family has been in the fishing business since 1976, described a “tremendous” bonito rush in the Marmara Sea over the past month. Ege noted that bonito typically inhabits deep waters and is usually caught in limited areas for short periods.
“Normally, the season lasts for about ten days, and you might only catch them for one day. This year, there has been very intense activity off Silivri, Tekirdağ, Marmara Island, and Kapıdağ,” Ege said, emphasizing the rarity of such widespread and prolonged bonito presence.
Ecological Significance
Beyond the economic benefits, experts view this surge in bonito as a positive indicator for the biodiversity of the Marmara Sea. The return of such large fish populations suggests a healthier marine ecosystem, potentially recovering from past environmental challenges.
Outlook for the Future
While the current bonito abundance is a welcome development for both fishermen and consumers, the long-term sustainability of this trend remains to be seen. Further research into the ecological factors contributing to this phenomenon will be crucial for managing the Marmara Sea’s marine resources effectively.
The current season serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems and the potential for recovery when conditions are favorable.
Source: https://www.yenisafak.com/hayat/marmara-denizinde-tarihi-torik-bollugu-4791556
