Blue economy and sustainable inland water management in Gümüşhane: A Vikor analysis of fisheries and aquaculture

The concept of the blue economy is a strategy of growing importance worldwide that aims to protect oceans and water resources. It emerges when economic activities are balanced with the long-term capacity of marine ecosystems to sustain them. The blue economy reflects the tension between two main approaches: one promoting economic growth and development and another emphasizing the protection of marine resources. These tensions require balanced solutions that recognize the economic opportunities provided by oceans while also acknowledging potential risks and challenges. At the global level, the United Nations supports these efforts through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, defining the scope and boundaries of the blue economy in line with these goals remains a significant challenge. In addition, identifying the key actors in this field and clearly defining their roles and interests still requires further clarification. This study evaluates aquaculture activities in Gümüşhane province and proposes recommendations. It also identifies aquaculture and inland water criteria and ranks the tools used in aquaculture and inland water resource management. Evaluations were conducted using the integrated AHP–VIKOR approach, and expert opinions were obtained from aquaculture enterprises, academics, and the Gümüşhane Provincial Directorate. According to the AHP results, the most important criterion was "Resource Utilization," followed by "Social," "Economic," and "Environmental." In the second stage, the VIKOR method was used to rank the tools applied in aquaculture and inland water management. The results show that the most suitable tool is "Intensive (hightechnology) methods."