Socio-economic analysis of trout pond culture operating managers i̇n Malatya province (Turkey)

This study was conducted to determine the socio-economic features of inland aquaculture managers in Malatya Province (Turkey). The thesis includes the research results of 32 inland trout farmers which are registered in Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry of Malatya Province in 2016. Total number of registered facilities (cages + ponds) is 77 in Malatya. Aquaculture production was 3520 metric tonnes per year and 450 tonnes of them (12,78%) was cultured in ponds and raceways according to the statistical data for 2015. Although managers stated that they are pleased to deal with aquaculture, supportings should be given to fish feed instead of productions. The vast majority managers are members of the aquaculture association. The water that used for aquaculture was obtained from river and spring water. Managers said that trouts were mostly sold to local restaurants and fewer amounts were sold as retail. It has been seen that the age of the managers changed between 40-66 and all of them are married males. When the educational status was examined it was seen that 45% of them have high school graduates. It was stated that 50% of them are tradesman, 35% of them are farmers, 5% of them are fisherman and all of them have social assurance. All of managers live in their own home and 95% of them have car or van. It was also observed that 85% of managers were educated about aquaculture.