May 31, 2024

Turkish aquaculture exports surge by 65%

The Turkish aquaculture industry, a significant contributor to the nation's exports since the early 2000s, has achieved a 65% increase in exports, growing from US$1 billion to US$1.7 billion, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

Sinan Kiziltan, chairman of the exporters' association of the sector, underscored Turkey's position as Europe's largest producer of sea bass and sea bream and the world's second-largest trout producer at the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) General Assembly. The event brought together 45 representatives from 17 countries.

Kiziltan highlighted the development of state-of-the-art facilities by Turkish entrepreneurs, enabling the export of diverse seafood products to over 100 countries. In 2023, the sector's exports reached US$1.679 billion, with sea bass and sea bream leading at US$517 million and US$418 million, respectively.

Turkish salmon exports rose significantly to US$376 million, with trout at US$112 million and tuna at US$51 million. Kiziltan also discussed the "Turkish Tastes TURQUALITY" project, which has promoted Turkish seafood in the US since 2018, aiming to strengthen ties with international industry professionals and institutions. The project seeks to surpass US$2 billion in seafood exports by 2028 through quality-focused initiatives.

Turgay Turkyilmaz from the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry noted the increasing global demand for animal protein and Turkey's leading role in aquaculture, ranking first in Europe and 17th globally.

He emphasised Turkey's status as a net exporter and the importance of sustainable practices in the sector to maintain this position. Turkyilmaz shared that various projects are being carried out "to create a sustainable and resilient aquaculture food system from production to final consumption."

-      Hurriyet Daily News