T
ürkiye’s fish production reached a historic high of 1.02 million tons in 2025, marking the largest output in the history of the Republic, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said on Wednesday.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency during a meeting with fishermen in Istanbul’s Sariyer district on the final day of 2025, Yumakli said production planning and quota systems played a key role in achieving the record.
“Fish production in Türkiye reached 1.02 million tons in 2025, breaking an all-time record in the history of the Republic,” he said, calling the figure “massive.”
Yumakli said the fisheries sector made a major contribution to the national economy, with exports nearing $2 billion in 2025.
He noted that climate change continued to affect the sector, citing rising sea temperatures and shifting fish migration routes, but said the year was completed without major disruptions.
“Sometimes these conditions made the year challenging, sometimes easier. Overall, we completed 2025 without serious problems,” he said.
According to preliminary data from the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry, around 600,000 tons of total production came from aquaculture, while roughly 400,000 tons were obtained through capture fisheries. Final figures are expected to be released by the Turkish Statistical Institute in June.
Anchovy production exceeded expectations, reaching about 245,000 tons, Yumakli added.
The minister stressed the importance of balancing conservation with sustainable use of marine resources, thanking fishermen and fish farmers for complying with regulations.
“2025 was a year in which our fisheries sector made a very important contribution to Türkiye’s economy,” Yumakli said, adding that it was a record year for both capture fisheries and aquaculture.
He said the ministry would continue close cooperation with the sector to maintain similar performance in 2026 and wished all stakeholders a safe and productive new year.
(Source: Anadolu Agenncy)
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