@article{article_1906909, title={Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on fish consumption and sales in Muğla province: An evaluation for future outbreaks}, journal={Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences}, volume={43}, pages={259–266}, year={2026}, DOI={10.12714/egejfas.43.3.09}, url={https://izlik.org/JA85BJ49GT}, author={Metin Hacisa, Cansu and Şahin, Ekrem and Alparslan, Yunus}, keywords={Anket, balık tüketimi, COVID-19, Muğla, pandemi, sağlıklı beslenme}, abstract={<p>This study aimed to examine the changes in fish consumption preferences and fish sales in Muğla province before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, a survey was conducted with 302 participants consisting of consumers, fish markets, and fish restaurants operating in Muğla province. The questionnaires were administered both face-to-face and online. By analyzing the collected data, a general assessment of fish consumption and sales in the Muğla region during the pre- and post-pandemic periods was carried out. The findings revealed that the pandemic process affected fish consumption and sales patterns primarily through economic conditions, accessibility, and consumer preferences. Overall fish consumption decreased from 86% before the pandemic to 81% after the pandemic, while the proportion of non-consumers increased from 14% to 19%. Although there was an increased tendency toward durable products, a shift in dietary behavior was observed, including changes in meat consumption preferences and supplement use patterns. No significant change was observed in working arrangements, as 75–78% of participants continued working in offices before and after the pandemic. Despite the recognized importance of fish consumption for healthy nutrition, price and accessibility emerged as the main determining factors affecting consumption behavior, with price concerns increasing up to 38% and access difficulties up to 20% in the post-pandemic period. Fish markets remained the dominant purchasing location (approximately 48–51%), while fresh fish continued to be the most preferred product type (>93%) in both periods. Moreover, seafood businesses were significantly affected, as 63% reported that demand was met before the pandemic, whereas this rate dropped to 33% after the pandemic. Half of the enterprises reported a decrease in sales and customer numbers, and 76% indicated that their economic situation worsened. In conclusion, the study highlights the need to further develop fish consumption culture. It also emphasizes the importance of sustainable supply chains, hygiene practices, and consumer awareness during extraordinary circumstances, providing guidance for managing similar crises in the future. </p>}, number={3}, organization={Bu çalışma ‘1919B012101129’ başvuru no ile TÜBİTAK 2209-A Üniversite Öğrencileri Araştırma Projesi ile desteklenmiştir.}