DEM-BİR Responds to Bonito Ban Claims: Proposal for Balanced and Reduced Fishing
The Central Union of Seafood Producers and Hunters stated that instead of banning bonito fishing, boats should fish less and in a balanced manner.
Mehmet Aksoy, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Union of Seafood Producers and Hunters (DEM-BİR), opposed calls for a ban on bonito and defended a balanced fishing model.
Abundance of Bonito in the Seas
Mehmet Aksoy, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Union of Seafood Producers and Hunters (DEM-BİR), stated that there is an abundance of fish in the seas this season. Expressing their satisfaction as fishermen with this situation, Aksoy noted that they are working to enable the public to consume affordable fish.
Stance Against Fishing Ban
Addressing the calls to impose a ban on bonito fishing, Mehmet Aksoy said that they definitely do not want bonito to be banned. He emphasized that despite difficult economic conditions and rising costs, they strive to offer affordable fish to the public.
Bonito as a Migratory Fish
Stating that bonito is not a stationary bottom-dwelling fish, but rather possesses migratory characteristics, Aksoy conveyed that the fish can move on to Georgia and return again. He added that bonito fishing will become even more difficult in November.
Proposal for Balanced Fishing
Calling on fishermen not to catch excessive amounts of crates per boat daily, Aksoy pointed out the importance of fishing little and in a balanced manner. He noted that overfishing reduces the value of the fish and causes it to get crushed and spoil on the boat.