Fish industry in Turkey

Eurofish carried out a study on “Fish industry in Turkey with a special focus on cooperation and investment possibilities” for the Spanish government and aquaculture industry. The objective of the study is to identify cooperation and investment possibilities for the Spanish aquaculture sector in Turkey.

Currently Turkey is the 5th largest aquaculture producer in Europe and the 3rd largest excluding shellfish production. It is also the 2nd largest producer in Europe of sea-bass and sea-bream (after Greece) and rainbow trout (after Norway). One of the typical characteristics of aquaculture in Turkey is that it is mostly based (95.7%) on intensive production of carnivorous fish species (rainbow trout, seabass, seabream). Rainbow trout ranks the first (44.72%) followed by seabass (29.79%), and seabream (22.07%).

Aquaculture is playing an increasingly important role in the Turkish economy, as fishery products are the only products of animal origin that can be exported to the EU.

The increasing fish consumption particularly in the domestic market is the main driving force for the development of aquaculture. The market potential for aquaculture products makes this sector one of the most attractive sectors for investment.

The study presents the most important cooperation possibilities focusing on the specific demands that Turkish aquaculture industry cannot meet because of lack of experience, knowledge or business practices.

The study identifies potentially interesting scenarios for the Spanish aquaculture investors and suppliers.


Please contact Mr. Sebastian Rodriguez (Project Manager, Eurofish) for more information.