TAGEM Director General Dr Mustafa Altuğ Atalay and Worldfish Director, Dr Essam Yassin Mohammed, signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
Photo: Worldfish / TAGEM
Türkiye’s General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is partnering with international aquatic food systems NGO WorldFish on research and innovation in fisheries and aquaculture.
The Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the respective Director Generals of both organisations, sets out a framework for scientific and technical collaboration, including joint research initiatives, knowledge exchange, sharing of research materials and expertise, and the creation of training and capacity-building programmes. It also includes plans for technical exchanges, symposia, and conferences to promote innovation and knowledge sharing between the two organisations.
Türkiye is one of the leading aquaculture producers in the Mediterranean region. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, in 2024 the country's aquaculture output rose by 3.7% to 577,124 tonnes, accounting for 61.8% of the country’s total production - a huge increase over the two decades since 2002, when the country produced just 61,163 tonnes. Sea bass and sea bream are the main species farmed at sea, while trout is the focus of Turkish inland aquaculture.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing aquatic food science for resilient, climate-smart food systems,” said Worldfish Director, Dr Essam Yassin Mohammed, via a news release.
“In working with Türkiye’s leading agricultural research agency, we can accelerate innovations that improve livelihoods, nutrition, and environmental sustainability in both our regions and beyond,” he added.
TAGEM Director General Dr Mustafa Altuğ Atalay said the collaboration would help build expertise in key areas.
“We believe this will contribute to marine agriculture research especially in the area of capacity building, fisheries, aquaculture and biodiversity,” he said. “In the short- and medium-term, I also believe that this cooperation will support global research and innovation,” he said.
WorldFish, which celebrated its 50th annniversary this year, was recently awarded an honour by the FAO for its work on food security, as part of the UN agency's first Global Technical Recognition for Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems.