Record-Breaking Exports and Production in the Aquaculture Sector
· Dünya Gazetesi
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı announced that aquaculture production reached 1 million 37 thousand tons, a record in the Republic's history, and sectoral exports rose to $2.3 billion.
Record Production and Exports in Aquaculture
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı shared the economic size and historical achievements of the sector at the opening ceremony of the 2026-2027 Aquaculture Fishing Season, held at the Güzelbahçe Yalı Fishermen's Shelter in İzmir. Stating that 1600 large-scale fishing vessels operate across Turkey and that 250,000 people are employed in the sector, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı emphasized that Turkey has reached a strong position in international waters and export markets.
Detailing the production and export figures in his opening speech, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı made the following statements:
"Today, Turkey is not just a country that fishes in aquaculture. We are talking about a Turkey that is a leader in its region with its modern fleet, qualified human resources, technology, and export capacity. The numbers speak for themselves. Let's state them once again. Last year, we broke the record in the history of our Republic with a production of exactly 1 million 37 thousand tons. We have very valuable businessmen exporting to almost 100 countries. The amount of foreign currency we have brought to our country through both aquaculture farming and production is $2.3 billion."
Financing and Support Provided to the Sector
Touching upon the public resources provided to ensure the fishing sector has a modern infrastructure, Minister İbrahim Yumaklı announced that a total of 70 billion Turkish Lira in direct support payments has been made to the sector in the last 24 years, in today's monetary values. He stated that during the same period, 70 billion Turkish Lira in interest-subsidized financing was provided to 61,000 producers, and that the operating credit limits for fishermen were increased from 15 million Turkish Lira to 40 million Turkish Lira, saying:
"Our motto is the balance of protection and utilization. With this understanding, we do not manage the sector solely by imposing fishing bans during certain periods. We ensure their production by providing support suitable for modern conditions to our aquaculture sector. Let's express the amount of support given to this sector in the last 24 years in today's terms, approximately 70 billion Turkish Lira. We have also provided interest-subsidized financing of the same amount, i.e., 70 billion Turkish Lira, to our 61,000 fishermen. We received requests from you. Especially for some investments of our fishermen investing in the sector, financing needs arose, and we supported them by increasing the operating limit from 15 million Turkish Lira to 40 million Turkish Lira. Hopefully, this support will continue to increase."
Production Planning and Conservation Balance
Stating that the Ministry's vision is a sustainable marine ecosystem and citizens' access to affordable food, Minister Yumaklı recalled that aquaculture was integrated into the agricultural production planning initiated in 2024. Expressing satisfaction with the findings of abundant bonito catches in the new season, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı made the following statement:
"We are acting with a proactive approach, with decisions that calculate the future of the sector and are meticulously crafted. We want to state that we plan every step as a whole, from production planning to financing, from inspection to export. When we started production planning in 2024, we went through an intensive working process to include aquaculture in this production planning. Our goal is for our fishermen to profit, for the sector to profit. Our citizens should access quality food at an affordable price. Let's also leave our seas to future generations as they should be."
Inspection Centers and Control Activities
Stating that the Marmara Aquaculture Control and Inspection Center, which became operational in Yalova, serves as a regional focal point, Minister Yumaklı announced that similar inspection structures will be established in Aydın and Çanakkale. Recording that 207,000 field inspections were carried out last year as part of the fight against illegal fishing, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı made the following statement:
"What does this mean? This control center, which is truly modern and will be a focal point due to its location, will be an important center not only for our country but also for our region. We will multiply these. Our work to open the same centers in Aydın and Çanakkale is ongoing. Last year, we conducted 207,000 inspections. I want to state that our aim in inspections and controls is not to catch an error, a mistake, and impose a penalty. Our aim is to protect the rights of our fishermen who do their job properly and correctly."
New Aquaculture Law Studies
Touching upon the work of the research commission established under the umbrella of the Turkish Grand National Assembly with the aim of strengthening the institutional and legal legislation of the sector, Minister Yumaklı stated that the new Aquaculture Law, with its preparations complete, will be legalized with the Parliament's approval in the near future. Drawing attention to the fact that the vision of Turkish fishermen is growing day by day, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı said:
"We are looking in the same direction as you. In this regard, our goal is clear. A stronger fisherman, a stronger sector, more productive seas, and of course, a stronger Turkey. In line with these goals, we will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with you day and night."
Fishing Season Opening and Somali Initiative
After the speeches at the ceremony, a prayer was recited by İzmir Provincial Mufti Mevlüt Haliloğlu, and fish were released into the sea with the participation of protocol members. Minister İbrahim Yumaklı, who stated that the Turkish fishing fleet operates not only in the Mediterranean and Atlantic but also off the coasts of Africa, boarded a fishing vessel departing from the Güzelbahçe ceremony area towards Somalia. Addressing all fishermen setting sail via radio connection, Yumaklı wished the 2026-2027 season to be accident-free, fruitful, and profitable. The season opening was attended by İzmir Governor Süleyman Elban, deputies, military and civil officials, and many sector representatives.