Türkiye Sets Record with 1.02 Million Tons of Fish Production in 2025
Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye’s fish production reached a historic high of 1.02 million tons in 2025, marking the highest level in the history of the Republic, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli announced on Wednesday.
Speaking to media during a meeting with fishermen in Istanbul’s Sariyer district on the final day of 2025, Yumakli credited the quota system introduced under production planning for the sector’s strong performance. “Fish production in Türkiye reached 1.02 million tons in 2025, breaking an all-time record in the history of the Republic. This is truly a very large, massive figure,” he said.
Highlighting the economic significance of the fisheries sector, Yumakli noted that exports had approached $2 billion, describing it as a major milestone for a country surrounded by seas on three sides. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change, including rising sea temperatures and shifts in fish migration routes, but confirmed that 2025 concluded without major disruptions.
Preliminary ministry data indicated that around 400,000 tons of total production came from capture fisheries, while aquaculture contributed 600,000 tons. Final figures are expected to be published by the Turkish Statistical Institute in June.
Emphasizing the importance of balancing conservation with sustainable use, Yumakli thanked fishermen and fish farmers for adhering to environmental regulations. He also highlighted that anchovy production exceeded expectations, reaching 245,000 tons in 2025.
“2025 was a year in which our fisheries sector made a very important contribution to Türkiye’s economy. It was a record year for production in both capture fisheries and aquaculture,” Yumakli said, adding that the ministry will continue to work closely with the sector to maintain similar achievements in 2026, wishing all stakeholders a productive and prosperous new year.
