Analysis and determination of aquaculture insurance tendencies of fish farms operating in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey

The aquaculture sector maintains its strategic importance in the economy for many reasons. However, this sector is exposed to natural, social and economic risks due to production conditions. The aim of this study is to determine whether the producers of aquaculture products in the Eastern Black Sea region (Artvin, Bayburt, Giresun, Gumushane, Rize and Trabzon) have been insured and the factors affecting the insurance taking. The survey data were obtained from the surveys of 160 enterprises producing aquaculture in the region. It was determined that 85% of these enterprises (136 enterprises) did not have aquaculture insurance, while 15% (24 enterprises) had aquaculture insurance. The data were collected by using the questionnaire method and the data were explained with descriptive statistics. In the study, cross-tables were formed and chi-square (2) analyzes were performed in order to reveal the relations of the factors with the factors that are expected to affect the aquaculture status of the producers. Then, a statistically acceptable model was established and logistic regression analysis was performed, which could reveal the relationship between dependent and independent variables, which could best match the minimum variable. In this model, while having aquaculture insurance is the dependent variable, individual characteristics as the independent variables, the characteristics of the enterprises, and attitudes towards aquaculture insurances are the independent variables. As a result of logistic regression analysis, educational status of owners (p<0,05), the number of personnel employed (p<0,1), and the knowledge of the owners about aquaculture insurances (p<0,1), were found statistically significant. These factors directly affect the tendency of firms to make aquaculture insurance. In addition, the most effective factor in making aquaculture insurance is the idea of guaranteeing the living creature produced. It is expected that premiums will fall at the beginning of the conditions for the owners who do not have any aquaculture insurance. The most important reason for not taking out insurance is to have insufficient knowledge about insurance. The demand from the state and insurance companies to reduce the amount of damage rates is at the top of their expectations.