Minister Yumaklı is visiting and inspecting in Muğla

MINISTER YUMAKLI CONDUCTED FACILITY INSPECTIONS

Minister Yumaklı visited the aquaculture facility operating off the coast of Güllük in Muğla's Milas district. After receiving information from the facility officials and relevant institution supervisors, Yumaklı then inspected the production area.

The program was attended by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, Muğla Governor İdris Akbıyık, AK Party Deputy Chair Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya, AK Party Muğla officials, institution directors, and producers.

"OUR 2028 TARGET IS 3 BILLION DOLLAR EXPORT"

Stating that the target for aquaculture exports in 2028 is 3 billion dollars, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı said: "We visited a business playing a very important role regarding our country's fish exports and engaged in farming activities. We had the opportunity to observe and examine different areas. Our country has really made tremendous progress in the aquaculture sector over the last 24 years. In 2025, we broke the all-time record with 1 million 37 thousand tons. Sixty percent of this came from farming. We have reached 627 thousand tons in aquaculture with a tenfold increase over the last 24 years. As a country surrounded on three sides by seas, the government is determined to utilize this potential. Currently, our country ranks 2nd in Europe in aquaculture, but we are pushing all conditions to move up to 1st place as soon as possible. Turkish salmon, seabass, trout, gilthead seabream, and mussels, which have found their place in global markets, are very important farming areas. In aquatic production, we especially pay attention to the balance of protection and use; ultimately, our resource is our natural beauties and biodiversity. Therefore, as of the beginning of 2024, we have planned production in aquaculture keeping that balance of protection and use in mind."

"44% OF EXPORTS COME FROM MUĞLA"

Minister Yumaklı, who said that Turkey exported to 100 countries in 2025 and reached a figure of 2.3 billion dollars, highlighted Muğla's importance in the sector and said, "One in every four fish farmed in Turkey comes from Muğla. Muğla ranks first in aquaculture in Turkey; it is a preferred location due to both sea temperature and protection from various weather events in the areas we are in. There are 340 production facilities in Muğla's inland waters and seas. This is a very important number; again, I say, and emphasize: The balance of protection and use is our absolute essential. Muğla ranks first in Turkey in gilthead seabream and seabass production, and 40% of the gilthead seabream and seabass I mentioned are farmed in Muğla. Muğla's share within the total 2.3 billion dollar export is 1 billion dollars. This is a very important number; therefore, Muğla's contribution is extremely significant in this regard; it corresponds to about 44% of Turkey's exports," he said.

"Per capita fish consumption has increased but is not sufficient"

Minister Yumaklı stated that per capita fish consumption increased from 5.5 kilograms to 8.8 kilograms in the last 10 years, marking a 60% increase, and said: "When we compare with many countries around the world, I want to say that we are not at a sufficient level in fish consumption. Therefore, in this regard, both increasing our social awareness and developing a different methodology especially regarding the nutrition of seafood, mainly fish, are necessary. We will continue with different public awareness efforts in the coming days regarding this. For a healthy life, doctors recommend consuming fish twice a week. Let's convey this to the public."