Tracking the seabass and sea bream value chain and its sustainability from West Africa to Turkish aquaculture

The escalating global demand for seafood, driven by a growing population and increased need for animal proteins, has led to rapid expansion of intensive aquaculture production, prompting concerns about its socio-ecological impacts. This growth has also given rise to complex international trade dynamics between developed and developing nations. Despite numerous studies on global seafood value chains, there is a literature gap regarding the evaluation of the Turkish farmed seabass and sea bream (SBSB) industry, the main supplier to EU and UK markets. Using Global Commodity and Global Value Chain frameworks, this study aims to shed light on Turkish aquaculture companies' role in this chain, examining trade dynamics and socio-ecological sustainability. Through in-depth interviews with aquaculture and fish feed sector representatives, and analysis of governmental documents and the ITC Trade Map database, the study finds that the SBSB global value chain is subject to quality and sustainability certifications mandated by lead firms (major EU and UK supermarkets and retailers) on farmed fish suppliers. Thus, the chain is characterized as buyer-driven, with Turkish aquaculture firms achieving some vertical integration. However, certification schemes alone are inadequate for addressing most socio-ecological challenges across the value chain. Overfishing, declining fish stocks, and rising fish feed prices necessitate aquaculture firms to explore alternative feed technologies, which may have a greater impact on shaping the sector's future than third-party sustainability certification.