TURKIYE – In a remarkable achievement for Türkiye’s aquaculture industry, the country produced an impressive 1.7 million tonnes of fish in 2023, marking an 18.6 percent increase compared to the previous year, as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı highlighted that this record-setting production follows another milestone in 2022, where aquaculture output reached 849,800 tonnes.
He credited the ministry’s dedicated support, policies, and initiatives for driving sustainable growth in the sector.
One of the standout contributors to this surge was the European anchovy, with catches skyrocketing by 117 percent year-on-year to 273,900 tonnes in 2023.
Yumaklı emphasized the importance of sustainable practices to preserve this species for future generations, noting its inclusion in the ministry’s production planning for seven key fish species.
Another significant increase was seen in the Turkish salmon sector, which grew by 45 percent to over 66,000 tonnes last year.
The minister assured that efforts would continue to ensure sustainable farming of other vital species, including bream, sea bass, and mussels.
In related developments, Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is actively seeking to expand its fishing territories and increase catches through agreements with countries around the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
The ministry has finalized fisheries deals with 12 African nations and is in negotiations with 15 more, including Gabon, Djibouti, and Angola.
These efforts build on existing agreements with Morocco, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan.
Discussions are also ongoing with Indonesia, Panama, and Georgia, reflecting Türkiye’s strategy to broaden its international fishing partnerships.
This global outreach supports a robust aquaculture export industry, which exceeded US$1.6B in 2023, with Russia, Italy, and the U.K. being the primary markets for Turkish-farmed fish.
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