Türkiye, fishing, and deportation: what's in store for 2026

Yachting and fishing preamble 

What has changed and what requirements should be studied? 

Let's take a step-by-step look at each of the possible types of fishing that might interest yachtsmen and those who simply enjoy this type of recreation. We'll use the main document regulating recreational fishing, the Communiqué, also known as Tebliğ, as our source. It's also worth paying attention to the Aquatic Products Law No. 1380.

The legislative changes affected the Communiqué itself, which updated its number from 5/2 to 6/2 (Communiqué No. 6/2, source: Resmi Gazete, Official Gazette). 

Specific changes 

Previously, Communication No. 5/2 was in effect, which was more advisory in nature regarding amateur licenses for Turkish citizens. The transition to Communication No. 6/2 marked a tightening of controls.

The key difference is the paradigm shift: whereas previously the state would say, "You can get a document for convenience," now, especially with regard to spearfishing, it says, "You are required to have a document for the legality of your actions." 

Directions of prohibitions

Now let's look at several types of fishing and the restrictions imposed on them. Let's start with the general provisions.

General Provisions

So, a specific catch limit has been established. From now on, it's no more than 5 kg per person per day. A "red list" of fish that are prohibited from being caught has also been established: black grouper and bluefin tuna. These carry the heaviest fines.

However, bans aren't the only thing. Turkey has not only banned the catch of some species but also permitted the catch of others. These species include pufferfish and lionfish. Interestingly, Turkey runs programs to buy back pufferfish tails from professional fishermen. Lionfish, however, are destructive to reefs, so their catch is also permitted. Also permitted are pike perch, crucian carp, and perch. 

Underwater fishing

Perhaps the most stringent changes concern underwater fishing. Effective January 1, 2026, underwater fishing will require mandatory documentation. According to the new regulations, anyone harvesting aquatic biological resources using an underwater speargun (crossbow, airgun) and the breath-holding method (free diving) must carry a special document (Dalma Yöntemiyle Avcılık Yapıldığını Gösterir Amatör Balıkçı Belgesi).

Furthermore, night underwater fishing is also strictly prohibited—fishing is permitted only from dawn to dusk. It is specifically stated that from now on, underwater fishing is permitted only without air tanks, i.e., free diving.

Fishing from the shore

While a speargun requires a license, a regular spinning rod or fishing rod does not. As long as you're fishing for non-commercial purposes and can prove it (with a recreational fishing license), there won't be any problems. 

Fishing is still prohibited in port and marina waters. Avoid fishing near military bases and public beaches. There are designated fishing areas in Turkey.

Pay attention to the fish's size. Each species has its own limits, so it's worth researching the fish's characteristics in your region. However, the rule in such cases is simple: fish that are too small should be released. 

Trolling and deep sea fishing

Communiqué No. 6/2 also revealed technical restrictions on trolling. These rules are the same for everyone and do not depend on the angler's citizenship. Here are the equipment restrictions:

• fishing rods - maximum 4 per person during fishing;
• hooks (in fresh water) - maximum 3 hooks per tackle;
• hooks (sea) - maximum 6 hooks per tackle.

There's only one exception to the hook count—the Çapari rig. It's used to catch schooling plegae and is a traditional and selective method for catching small fish without harming bottom-dwelling predator populations.

What to do and how to fish in Turkey in 2026?

As you've already figured out, the surest way to avoid problems is to obtain the appropriate license and strictly follow the fishing regulations. But there are some nuances, of course.

Fisherman's citizenship

The requirements for foreign nationals are identical in their strictness to those for local fishermen. In both cases, you must appear at the District and Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry to submit documents. These documents include:

• set of photos,
• a statement indicating the fishing method (indicate freediving if you practice it),
• payment of the fee to the working fund,
• signing the declaration.

The Turkish Constitution divides all non-citizens into two groups:

• People with a residence permit but who are not citizens have practically the same rights as citizens.
• Tourists are persons with a short-term visa or a visa-free stamp.

Residents with a temporary residence permit are required to obtain a "Guest Certificate for Amateur Fishermen" (optional for citizens) to ensure safe fishing. This document is mandatory for foreigners, as its absence can lead to problems with the gendarmerie.

Regarding tourists:

• Shore fishing: Generally permitted without documentation as part of a "sports and tourism activity" if the catch does not exceed limits (5 kg) and is not intended for sale.   
• Boat: Fishing from a private boat is a legal gray area for tourists without a license. The legal option is to participate in organized tours on vessels with a Fishing Tourism Permit (Amatör Balıkçılık Turizm İzni). The owner of such a vessel assumes legal responsibility for the tourist.   

Deportations after fishing

Horror story? Harsh reality. An analysis of law enforcement practices and Law No. 6458 "On Foreigners and International Protection" reveals the following chain of consequences:

• Violating fishing regulations. This violation (for example, using an extra hook or catching a small perch) is an administrative offense (kabahat), which carries a fine. It does not lead to outright deportation.   
• Commercial activity. If a foreigner (even with a residence permit) is caught selling their catch (to a restaurant, at a market, or to neighbors for money), this is considered illegal labor activity (Izinsiz Çalışma).
• Consequences. Working without a permit is direct grounds for revocation of a residence permit and a deportation order (Sınır Dışı Etme Kararı) with an entry ban (Tahdit Kodu). With Turkey tightening immigration controls between 2024 and 2026, the police and the Immigration Service (Göç İdaresi) will respond extremely harshly to any signs of illegal earnings by foreigners.   

Therefore, a foreigner can catch fish for food, but selling even one kilogram of fish in 2026 is a direct ticket to deportation.

Instead of conclusions

It's been a while since we've had such legally accurate material. However, the topic required it—many yachtsmen regularly go to Turkey for fishing, so it's impossible to leave them uninformed.

At this stage, it's difficult to say exactly how and how strictly fishing in Turkey will be regulated in the near future. However, one of the main maritime proverbs is to think ahead about danger. So, we've thought about it. Seven feet under the keel, and happy fishing!

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14.01.2026