02.11.2026 10:00
In the Eastern Black Sea, bonito, which was caught abundantly at the start of the season, has recently stopped being seen between Tirebolu, Ordu, and Rize. Ahmet Mutlu, President of the Eastern Black Sea Fisheries Cooperatives Regional Union, drew attention to the possibility that the 6 cables, 6-8 kilometers long, behind the Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa seismic research vessel operating off the coast of Trabzon may have driven the fish away, and said the matter should be examined by experts.
The bonito, which was said not to be fished so that it would not become cheap when abundant, has now disappeared. It was claimed that there has been a decline in bonito fishing off Trabzon since the seismic research vessel Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa began oil and natural gas exploration and seismic data collection activities off Trabzon last month.
While intense bonito fishing has taken place in the Eastern Black Sea since the beginning of the fishing season, a decline in the amount of catch in the region has been observed in recent days. Fishermen who assessed the decrease in bonito movement in the region drew attention to the possible effect of the Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa seismic research vessel operating in the region on the migration movements of fish.
DREW ATTENTION TO THE 6 CABLES BEHIND THE SHIP
Ahmet Mutlu, President of the Eastern Black Sea Fisheries Cooperatives Regional Union, stating that there are 6 cables 6-8 kilometres long behind the research vessel, raised the question of whether the signals emitted by these cables are effective on the movements or migration directions of fish. Mutlu noted that this possibility should be scientifically evaluated by experts.
Reminding that the seismic research vessel is in the region, Mutlu said, "Since the beginning of the season, especially intense bonito fishing has taken place in the east of the Black Sea. According to the news we are receiving from our friends right now, there is some bonito around Amasra and Tarlaağzı, that is, headed toward the strait. Fishing continues, albeit little. Throughout the season, intense fishing was carried out in the eastern Black Sea. However, here I especially want to touch upon one issue. Our seismic research vessel is in the region. Could it be that there are 6 cables 6-8 kilometres long behind this ship. Was there an escape or movement in the fish due to the signals given by these cables? This issue requires a somewhat scientific evaluation, but we are also focusing on this possibility. Because our friends said that a similar effect was experienced in the work on the strait side last year. Of course, we are speaking off the cuff on this matter. Experts definitely need to evaluate how scientifically accurate this is. But there is a visible fact that the intensity in the east right now, especially between Tirebolu, Ordu and Rize, no longer exists," he said.
BONITO FISHING MAY CONTINUE IN NOVEMBER
Stating that bonito fishing may continue even in November, Mutlu said, "Normally, when we look at past years, we call this 'November darkness.' In the November darkness, we used to fish bonito. The larger ones, on the other hand, we used to call 'dungeon piercer.' The large bonito, that is, the dungeon piercer, would become pitch black in November. Therefore, it is normal for bonito fishing to continue in November. Bonito is such an interesting fish that it yields heavy catches every three years, every five years, sometimes every 10 years, even every 15 years. Old-timers would catch fish of a size between torik and bonito in the November darkness, that is, in November, in the way we call dungeon piercer. Right now, there are fish between 700 grams and 1 kilo 100 grams. My view is that the fish has migrated and is moving toward the strait," he said.
HOPEFUL ABOUT ANCHOVIES
Stating that after the costs in bonito fishing, the anchovy season is of great economic importance, Mutlu said, "We have a proverb: 'The big fish always swallows the small fish.' Of course, this will have an effect. Anchovy will certainly be affected by this situation too. If the weather in those regions along the migration route on the Russian side stays cold, we are hopeful that the anchovy will definitely come, even if not at the size we want. It also needs to come. Because the costs involved in bonito can only lead us to anchovy fishing. I think the fishing we do in anchovy fishing may perhaps enable us to become economically stronger and save ourselves. We have hopes regarding anchovy," he said.