11.01.2026 16:23
Due to air temperatures exceeding seasonal norms and overfishing, the anchovies have changed their route towards Georgia, altering the balance at fish markets. This year, the abundant horse mackerel has compensated for the absence of anchovies. The horse mackerel, being the cheapest on the market and appealing to citizens with its freshness, is priced between 100-150 TL per kilogram.
In Sakarya, the air temperatures, which are above seasonal averages, and excessive fishing have caused the anchovy schools to change their route to Georgia, altering the balance at fish stalls. With the decrease in anchovies, the gap has been filled by the horse mackerel, which has recently drawn attention due to its abundance. The price of horse mackerel, which varies between 100 and 150 lira depending on its quality and has taken the place of the "Körfez anchovy," is attracting significant interest from citizens due to its affordable price and taste.
THE PRICE OF HORSE MACKEREL HAS DROPPED TO 100 TL Ramazan İbiş, a fisherman, stated that horse mackerel, which is of interest to citizens due to its freshness and affordable price, has filled the void left by anchovies and has filled the stalls. "Currently, citizens are choosing horse mackerel in large quantities. Anchovies are still being sold alongside it, and there are cultured fish like sea bream, sea bass, and salmon. These continue. Mackerel is coming from Norway. There is no gap in the fish stalls. Prices are almost the same as last year. Horse mackerel is currently more affordable than last year. Last year, horse mackerel was around 150-200 lira. This year, due to its abundance, it has dropped from 200 lira to 100 lira. We are trying to keep prices as affordable as possible. Cultured fish have a price of around 500 lira, which is a bit high for citizens. We are benefiting from the abundance and prosperity of horse mackerel. The public is benefiting as well. The abundance covers all our deficits. The absence of anchovies does not affect us," he said.
"ABUNDANCE COVERS ALL OUR DEFICITS" İbiş stated that the absence of anchovies is not a situation specific to this year, but occurs periodically depending on climate conditions. "This is something that happens every year. When climate conditions do not go well, anchovies come out in such quantities. We are benefiting from the abundance and prosperity of horse mackerel. The public is benefiting as well. The abundance covers all our deficits. The absence of anchovies does not affect us," he expressed.