Turkey's Aquaculture Production Broke Records in 2025

Turkey's aquaculture sector achieved significant success in production and exports in 2025, breaking a record in the history of the Republic. According to data shared at the international Aquaculture Summit held in Elazığ, total production reached 1 million 37 thousand tons.

Held with the support of the Elazığ Municipality and the initiatives of the City Council, the international Aquaculture Summit brought together participants from 9 different countries as well as domestic and foreign sector representatives. Making statements at the summit, Turgay Türkyılmaz, General Manager of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, announced that 2025 production amounted to 1 million 37 thousand tons, breaking the record of the history of the Republic with this figure. Stating that approximately 626 thousand tons of production were obtained through aquaculture, Türkyılmaz expressed that aquaculture grew by 161 percent in the last 10 years. Noting that approximately 250 thousand people are employed directly and indirectly in the sector, Türkyılmaz drew attention to Turkey's global position in sea bream, trout, and sea bass production; accordingly, Turkey ranks first in the world in sea bream and sea bass production, and second in the world in trout production.

Touching upon the export data of the sector, Turgay Türkyılmaz announced that aquaculture exports rose to 288 thousand tons in 2025, and export revenue increased to 2 billion 300 million dollars. Stating that they aim to open up to world markets with the Turkish caviar brand within the next two years, Türkyılmaz noted that Elazığ is planned to be the center of operations in this field. The summit, held at a private hotel, was attended by Elazığ Governor Numan Hatipoğlu, Ambassador of Ghana Abdul Nasureddin, Deputy Mayor of Elazığ Mehmet Sabuncu, Fırat University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Doğru, Fırat Development Agency General Secretary Mehmet Şirin Budancamanak, and numerous sector representatives.