January 7, 2026
Fish production in Turkey at 1.02 million tonnes last year
Turkey's fish production reached a record 1.02 million tonnes in 2025, the highest level in the history of the country, said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli.
Speaking to Anadolu during a meeting on December 31 last year with fishermen on the final day of 2025 in Istanbul's Sariyer district, Yumakli said the quota system introduced under production planning had proven highly effective.
"Fish production in Turkey reached 1.02 million tonnes in 2025, breaking an all-time record in the history of the Republic," he said. "This is truly a very large, massive figure."
Highlighting the sector's contribution to the national economy, Yumakli said fisheries exports had reached nearly $2 billion, calling it a significant milestone for a country surrounded by seas on three sides.
"Climate change has affected all sectors, including fisheries, through rising sea temperatures and changes in fish migration routes," he said. "At times, this made the year challenging, at times easier. But overall, we completed 2025 without major incidents."
According to preliminary ministry data, about 400,000 tonnes of total production came from capture fisheries, while 600,000 tonnes were generated through aquaculture. Final figures are expected to be published by the Turkish Statistical Institute in June.
Yumakli emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance between conservation and utilisation, thanking fishermen and fish farmers for complying with sustainability rules. He also noted that anchovy production exceeded expectations, reaching 245,000 tonnes in 2025.
"2025 was a year in which our fisheries sector made a very important contribution to Turkey's economy. It was a record year for production in both capture fisheries and aquaculture," Yumakli said.
Expressing hope for continued success, he added that the ministry would keep working in close coordination with the sector to ensure a similar performance in 2026.
- Anadolu Agency
