Record Production of 1 Million Tons in Aquaculture
· Google Haberler
As the new fishing season opens in Izmir's Güzelbahçe, Turkey has reached a historic record in its Republican era with 1 million 37 thousand tons of aquaculture production and $2.3 billion in exports in 2025.
New Fishing Season Opens in Güzelbahçe
The 2026-2027 Aquaculture Fishing Season, eagerly awaited by fishermen across Turkey, officially commenced with a ceremony held in the Güzelbahçe district of Izmir. The event, which took place on the evening of August 31, 2026, at the Güzelbahçe Yalı Fisherman's Shelter, was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, İzmir Governor Süleyman Elban, and sector representatives. Addressing the fishermen at the ceremony, Minister Yumaklı wished for a safe, trouble-free, and prosperous new season. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı called for the fishing boats to set sail with prayers:
Vira Bismillah
Fishermen set sail with the traditional call, casting their first nets of the season into the sea.
Republican Era Record in Aquaculture
In his speech at the ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı shared the historic level Turkey has reached in aquaculture production. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey broke its Republican era record in 2025 by producing a total of 1 million 37 thousand tons of aquaculture products. It was stated that this volume encompasses both fishing activities at sea and the rapidly growing aquaculture farming. Ministry officials noted that production capacity has gained momentum each year thanks to modern infrastructure and qualified human resources.
Billion-Dollar Exports to a Hundred Countries
Highlighting the sector's economic contribution, Minister Yumaklı emphasized that aquaculture products have become one of the most strategic items in Turkey's agricultural foreign trade. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey exported products obtained through farming and fishing to approximately 100 countries. This export activity resulted in $2.3 billion in foreign currency revenue for the country. Turgay Türkyılmaz, General Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, stated that these export figures validate the quality and competitiveness of Turkish aquaculture products in international markets.
The Strength of the Large Fishing Fleet
One of the prominent topics at the ceremony was Turkey's strong fleet structure supporting its production capacity at sea. According to data shared by Minister İbrahim Yumaklı, the number of large-scale fishing vessels operating across Turkey has reached 1600. Modern vessels equipped with high technology lay the groundwork for safe and efficient fishing operations. Sector representatives emphasize that the strong fleet structure increases efficiency at sea and continuously meets the raw material needs of the domestic market and processing facilities.
Fishing Ban and Marine Conservation
The general fishing ban period, implemented to ensure the continuity of marine biodiversity and fish populations, has been successfully completed. The fishing ban, which began on April 15, 2026, ended on September 1st for industrial vessels fishing with purse seine and trawl methods in the Black Sea, Marmara, and Aegean Seas. It was reminded that the fishing ban in the Mediterranean basin will continue until September 15th. Producers, who maintained their vessels and repaired their nets during the ban, have returned to fishing grounds in compliance with regulations.
Sustainable Production and Ecosystem Balance
The Ministry announced that the primary focus for the new season is not only to increase catch volume but also to protect fish stocks. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı stated that the sustainable fishing approach is an indispensable necessity for the food security of future generations. Respecting spawning periods, adhering to legal size limits, and the uncompromising implementation of inspection mechanisms in the field are planned. These measures, which consider the balance of the marine ecosystem, aim to guarantee the long-term commercial viability of the sector.
Key Sector Goals for the New Season
Among the most important goals for the 2026-2027 fishing season are increasing the economic welfare of producers and maintaining the balance between domestic consumption and exports. To further advance the export volume of $2.3 billion to nearly 100 countries, emphasis will be placed on producing value-added products. The Ministry announced that the fight against illegal and unregistered fishing at sea will continue uninterrupted. The new season is expected to be fruitful, sustainable, and high-yield for both coastal fishermen and industrial fishers.