The Turkish seafood sector surpassed $2 billion in exports in 2024, marking the highest level in the country’s history. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı stated that the sector continues to grow with sustainable production policies.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı announced that the country exported a total of $2.016 billion worth of seafood to 97 countries in 2024. Noting that last year’s exports stood at $1.7 billion, Yumaklı emphasized that the sector has reached a record high, securing the highest export figures in the history of the Republic and maintaining its net exporter status.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı

Yumaklı stated that seafood has been integrated into production planning, with seven species included in the fishing sector and four in aquaculture. “Since 2003, we have been supporting aquaculture, and in 2024, we introduced a new support model that adds technical criteria incentives to the existing basic supports. This has allowed family-run businesses and union-affiliated enterprises to benefit from additional financial assistance,” he said.

Highlighting that seabass and gilthead seabream lead in exports, Yumaklı stressed that ensuring the sustainability of marine and inland water resources remains a top priority. “I extend my gratitude to our fishermen, aquaculture producers, and the entire sector for their contribution to this success,” he added.