AZE.US
A fishing restriction has been in force in Azerbaijan’s water basins since April 1, but fish remains visible across market stalls.
The seasonal ban is linked to the spawning period, when fish populations need protection from excessive catch. In theory, this should reduce the supply of freshly caught local fish. In practice, sellers say the market has not gone empty.
According to vendors, part of the fish on sale comes from imports, including from Iran. Another part was supplied before the restriction took effect. Farmed fish, especially trout, also remains one of the most popular choices among buyers.
Cooler weather has helped keep demand steady. Customers say they still look for fish as a lighter and healthier food option, and many focus less on the season than on freshness, storage conditions and taste.
But the issue is not only commercial. Specialists warn that buying locally caught fish during the spawning period can encourage illegal fishing and damage future fish stocks. When fish is caught while spawning, the loss affects not just one batch, but the next generation of the population.
There are also health concerns. Recent rains, floods and mudflows can wash fertilizers, bacteria and chemical substances from soil into rivers and other water basins. Fish living in polluted water may absorb harmful elements, which can later reach consumers.
Experts say buyers should pay close attention to the origin of the fish, how it was stored and whether it has clear signs of freshness. Firm scales, transparent eyes and the absence of an unpleasant smell are among the basic indicators of quality.
Formally, fish can still be sold if it was imported, farmed or supplied before the restriction. The main question is whether demand for fresh fish during the ban creates room for illegal catch.
For consumers, the choice is no longer just about price or taste. It is also about health, transparency and whether the market is helping protect fish stocks or quietly undermining them.
AZE.US