However, this vibrant culture and industry face challenges. Pollution, overfishing, and the impacts of climate change have led to fluctuating and sometimes declining sardine stocks. This has made the abundant seasons less predictable, adding urgency to the preservation of both the fish and the traditions it supports.

The Turkish fleet's wild catch has practically halved since the early 2000s, according to a study by Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University. The 2024 fish catch is projected at close to 300,000 metric tons, compared to 600,000 tons two decades ago.

A number of factors have led to lower catch rates in recent years.

The key problem affecting the fishing industry is the steady decline of fish stocks in Turkish waters, linked to decades of heavy fishing.