Hamside danger bells are ringing

Alarms are sounding over anchovy stocks in the Black Sea. The amount of this species, which is critical for both regional fishing and the marine ecosystem, is decreasing every year. As the fishing season continues in the Black Sea, alarm bells are ringing for anchovy stocks. There has been a serious decline in the number of anchovies, which are the most commonly fished species in Turkey. The decrease in anchovies, which are essential for tables and one of the most critical links in the marine ecosystem, is also closely affecting the regional fishing economy. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), anchovy fishing, which was 270 thousand tons in the 2023-2024 fishing season, declined to approximately 150 thousand tons in the 2024-2025 season. This decline was considered a significant regression in terms of the Black Sea ecosystem and fishing balance. The change in the Black Sea's water temperatures observed in recent years is also affecting the migration ...