The temperature of the sea water is causing anchovies to migrate early.

In the Black Sea region, it has been observed that sea water temperatures are above seasonal norms. This situation has led to the anchovy fish completing its migration period earlier than expected. The rise in water temperature exceeds seasonal conditions, creating significant impacts on the marine ecosystem. While such migrations are normally expected to occur later, the current situation also jeopardizes the trends in fish stocks.

The President of Samsun Fisheries Cooperatives Union, Atıf Malkoç, expressed that the start of this season has been quite positive. However, he noted that the market value of the fish this season has fallen below expectations. Malkoç emphasized that fishermen have complained about the anchovy not receiving enough value in the market despite its high quality.

The early migration of anchovy poses challenges not only for fishermen but also for sustainable seafood management. This situation can lead to imbalances in the marine ecosystem and sudden changes in market dynamics. Another concerning point is that the catch amount of anchovy is projected to be lower than expected.

Fishermen in the region warn that anchovy is a pioneering species and changes in its migration period can affect the entire maritime sector. The issues faced by fishery cooperatives stem from the instability in the market and quality issues, as well as current problems directly related to seasonal conditions.

As anchovy is an important part of Turkish cuisine, this situation has not only economic effects but also socio-cultural implications. The scarcity of anchovy may lead to price increases for many restaurants and consumers, as well as potentially altering anchovy consumption habits.