Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Ebubekir GİZLİGİDER, in his opening speech of the Fisheries Science Forum.
TR Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry / General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı has announced that Turkish aquaculture production reached 900 thousand-1 million tons in 2023. This is a record in the history of the Republic as in 2022 the amount reached 849,808 tons. Also, he confirmed that final figures for 2023 will be announced by TÜİK in June 2024.
According to the Minister, these figures translate into the support the government gives to fishermen and breeders and the projects implemented.
"Our aquaculture production, which has shown a sustainable increase trend in recent years depending on the production obtained from aquaculture, has gained remarkable momentum in the world with the increase in exports," he explained.
During the last few years, there has been a "significant" increase in Turkish trout and salmon farming. Also, Yumaklı mentioned the same situation for sea bream and sea bass. Finally, "a good amount of catch was achieved in sprat, sardine, and sea snails in this season," he added.
Along the same line, the Minister wanted to highlight the importance of aquaculture policies to protect the aquaculture resources in sea and inland waters and ensure their sustainable operation.
Therefore, a total of 78 ships related to illegal fishing were seized in 2023, and an administrative fine of 74 million TL was imposed in more than 171 thousand inspections.
In addition, from 19-23 February Turkey hosted the largest Fisheries Science Forum (Fish Forum) in the Mediterranean and Black Sea in Antalya.
The event is organized by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as part of the United Nations Decade of Oceanography for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
With more than 400 participants from 47 countries, the Forum brought together scientific and academic communities, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region for five days with events such as discussions, conferences, workshops, and artistic exhibitions.