President Erdogan stresses marine conservation for sustainable fishing

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored the critical importance of marine conservation for the sustainability of Türkiye’s fishing industry during the 2024-2025 Fishing Season Opening Ceremony in Yenikapi.

The Turkish president highlighted the necessity of protecting Türkiye’s rich marine resources, acknowledging the significant challenges that remain.

Production and export in Türkiye’s fishing sector

Erdogan highlighted the fishing sector’s continuous growth, noting: “In the 2023-2024 season, annual production exceeded 1 million tons for the first time, with 454,000 tons from fishing.”

“We are also breaking records in exports. Last year, we exported to nearly 100 countries, including 40% to European Union members, generating $1.7 billion for our economy. I extend my gratitude to all our fishermen who contributed to these successes,” Erdogan added.

Support for the fishing industry

Turkish President Erdogan reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the fishing sector, stating, “We have always stood by our fishermen. To support the growth of the sector, we have provided a total of ₺45 billion in direct cash support, including ₺23 billion in fuel subsidies with reduced Special Consumption Tax (OTV), ₺16 billion in aquaculture support, and ₺561 million for small-scale fishing.”

We have provided ₺35 billion in Treasury-backed investment and operational loans. In the next three years, we will increase the Treasury-supported agricultural credit limit for our fishermen from 15 million lira to 40 million lira. To boost our fish stocks, we launched restocking activities in our seas and inland waters. In 2023, the 100th year of our Republic, we released 100 million fish fry into our fertile waters.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Urgent need for marine conservation

Addressing the challenges of marine conservation, Erdogan said: “Unfortunately, we have significant shortcomings in this area. We all witnessed the scenes in the Gulf of İzmir last week and remember the mucilage issue in the Golden Horn three years ago. Negligence and indifference cost not only our seas and fishermen but our entire nation. I expect greater sensitivity from our fishermen brothers.”

Expanding Türkiye’s international fishing efforts

Erdogan discussed Türkiye’s growing role in international waters by saying: “Our fishing vessels, equipped with the latest technology, now operate not only in our territorial waters but also in international waters.”

“To secure fishing rights for our fishermen, we sign new fishing agreements with different countries every year. Last year, we increased the number of countries with fishing agreements from 10 to 15, mainly in Africa, and we are in the final stage of negotiations with 12 more countries.” Erdogan added.

Call for compliance with fishing regulations

Concluding his remarks, Erdogan urged fishermen to comply with fishing regulations: “(My) fisherman brothers, who bring bread to their homes from the blue waters, are the best protectors of this treasure. I especially expect sensitivity from you. The seas and fish are not an inheritance but a trust. We do not want future generations to be deprived of this resource.”

The ceremony included a symbolic fish released into the sea by Erdogan and officials.