Overall output jumped 18.6% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 1,007,921 tons.

Aquaculture, the farming of fish and other aquatic organisms, led the surge, contributing a significant 55% to the total catch. Production in this sector rose by 7.6%, reaching 553,862 tons. Sea bass (160,802 tons) and sea bream (154,111 tons) were the top performers in aquaculture.

Capture fisheries, which involve harvesting wild fish, also saw an increase of 35.5%, reaching 454,059 tons. Anchovy reigned supreme, with a catch of 273,915 tons, followed by sprat (45,764 tons) and pilchard (17,311 tons). Marine capture specifically rose by 39.4%, while inland capture fisheries showed a modest increase of 0.8%.

This substantial growth in the Turkish fisheries sector highlights its increasing importance to the country's economy and food security. (ILKHA)