Comparative analysis of fish consumption habits in coastal and inland districts of Samsun province

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the seafood consumption habits of individuals in Samsun Province, a region noted for its intensive fishing activities in the Middle Black Sea, and to determine the differences between coastal and inland districts. Primary data were gathered through online questionnaires. The analysis included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Among the participants, 53.7% considered fish prices to be expensive, 34.3% found them to be normal, 10.4% viewed them as very expensive, and 1.5% thought they were cheap. The most preferred fish type was anchovy, chosen by 48% of respondents, followed by sea bass at 18%. Coastal residents showed a higher frequency of weekly fish consumption, while inland residents had a higher rate of annual fish consumption. Significant differences were observed in fish consumption preferences, such as the type of fish and cooking methods, with coastal residents favoring fried fish and inland residents preferring grilled fish. Additionally, the study found that canned fish was significantly more preferred by inland residents (χ²=55.49, p<0.0001). These findings highlight the impact of geographical location on seafood consumption habits and suggest the need for targeted interventions to promote healthier and more sustainable consumption patterns.