Determination of Fish Consumption Habits in Diyarbakir Province

This study was conducted to determine the fish consumption habits in Diyarbakır province and the reasons that influence these habits. A questionnaire survey was carried out on a total of 3310 individuals, consisting of 1910 males and 1400 females, in the center and districts of Diyarbakır. According to the results, it was found that 16% of the respondents consumed fish and the most preferred fish were anchovy (30.81%) and carp (25.98%). When buying fish, 40.04% of people said that they preferred it to be cheap and 20.63% said that they preferred it to be tasty. The study concluded that the majority of fish consumption occurs during the winter season. The primary reasons for not consuming fish, as indicated by the respondents, were the high price (42.38%) and a lack of purchasing power (38.42%). Looking at the monthly consumption of individuals, 49.78% consume less than 1kg of fish. As a result of the study, it was found that fish consumption in Diyarbakır province is far below the national and world average. In addition to socio-economic reasons, this situation is thought to be due to the fact that fish cannot be consumed in all seasons because the city is far from the sea coast. In addition, the rate of aquaculture and consumption of aquaculture products in Turkey is quite low. In this context, the consumption of aquaculture products should be increased.