Clustering mechanisms and local sectoral synergies: A study on Turkish salmon (Trout) sector in Trabzon

The Turkish salmon (trout) sector has an increasing impact on Türkiye's balance of trade. The sector plays a critical role in the country's economic growth as well as in creating jobs and promoting regional development. Fish farming and processing activities concentrated in the Black Sea Region support regional economic development and create employment opportunities for local people. This research examines clustering mechanisms and local sectoral synergies in the Turkish salmon (trout) sector in Trabzon. The main objective of the research is to identify the roles and contributions of stakeholders in the sector, analyze the dynamics of cooperation between these stakeholders, and make strategic recommendations necessary to increase the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector. Within the scope of the research, in-depth interviews were conducted with fish farmers and producers, feed suppliers, transport and logistics service providers, packaging service providers, public institutions and other organizations in the sector. Qualitative methods were used in this study and semi-structured interviews were utilized in the data collection process. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The case study method and the embedded holistic single-case design approach constituted the main methodological framework of the research. The findings show that the Turkish salmon (trout) sector concentrated in Trabzon is implementing various clustering strategies and that these strategies support regional economic development. However, the sector faces key challenges such as resource shortages, lack of strategic planning and low product awareness.