ISTANBUL, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The lively ambiance of Istanbul's bustling fish market resonates with the sounds of fishermen unloading their daily haul, all hoping for profitable sales to support their livelihoods.
Gurpinar Fish Market, perched along the shores of the Marmara Sea, is the largest fish market in Türkiye, functioning as a vital distribution hub for fresh seafood both domestically and for export.
With the lifting of the fishing ban in Türkiye in September, fishermen are optimistic about a bountiful catch and lucrative profits in the upcoming fishing season.
"In winter, fishermen don't really get to rest. Unfortunately, a fisherman is like a bat. They work at night and sleep during the day. That's our sacrifice," Ferhan Bayer, a seasonal fisherman, told Xinhua while transferring a large number of bonito from his boat to boxes.
Prices are not fixed in this market; costs drop when there's an abundance of fish and rise when there's less, much like a stock exchange.
"Fish is sold openly through an auction system, allowing merchants to buy directly from fishermen and sell to the public," Bayer explained. "Fresh fish arrives daily. It stays fresh for a maximum of two days, and unsold fish are preserved in the freezer."
The market boasts a 9,000-square-meter auction area that is equipped with a cooling system and features 28 product acceptance gates, accommodating more than 100 dealers.
Compared to previous years, this year's catch of bonito, a popular fish in the country, has been particularly bountiful. One bonito typically weighs around 800-900 grams and is currently priced at 80-90 Turkish liras (2.34-2.63 U.S. dollars) at the market, making it an affordable and healthy option for consumers.
The price for a box of sardines, approximately 17 kg, ranges from 500 to 700 liras, while a kilo of anchovies is priced between 53 and 80 liras, and a kilo of horse mackerel sells for 100 to 133 liras.
Kenan Balci, a fisherman from Istanbul, said that the new fishing season has started off abundantly. "Abundance in fish also means lower prices," he told Xinhua. "For customers, this is an opportune moment to make purchases."
In Türkiye, the fishing ban is enforced from April 15 to September 1. During this period, fishing in the seas with large boats, purse seines, and trawlers is prohibited. ■
