Istanbul: Trkiye's fish production reached a record 1.02 million tons in 2025, the highest level in the history of the Republic, said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli. Speaking to Anadolu during a meeting Wednesday with fishermen on the final day of 2025 in Istanbul's Sariyer district, Yumakli said the quota system introduced under production planning had proven highly effective.
According to Anadolu Agency, fisheries exports reached nearly $2 billion, marking a significant milestone for a country surrounded by seas on three sides. Yumakli highlighted that climate change affected all sectors, including fisheries, through rising sea temperatures and changes in fish migration routes. Despite the challenges, 2025 concluded without major incidents.
Preliminary ministry data indicated that about 400,000 tons of total production came from capture fisheries, while 600,000 tons were generated through aquaculture. Final figures are expected to be published by the Turkish Statistical Institute in June.
Yumakli emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between conservation and utilization, thanking fishermen and fish farmers for complying with sustainability rules. He noted that anchovy production exceeded expectations, reaching 245,000 tons in 2025.
He stated that 2025 was a year in which the fisheries sector made a significant contribution to Trkiye's economy, setting a record for production in both capture fisheries and aquaculture. Expressing hope for continued success, Yumakli added that the ministry would continue working in close coordination with the sector to ensure a similar performance in 2026, wishing all stakeholders a productive, safe, and prosperous new year.