Comparison of the fisheries sector of Turkey and European Union

The aim of this study is to make a comparison with the current situation of the fisheries sector in the European Union (EU) and Turkey, a candidate for becoming full member to the European Union (EU), and to make some suggestions about the steps that need to be taken in the future. The study, which is essentially a review based on the data gathered from TurkStat, EUROSTAT, FAO and OECD, discussed fisheries production, consumption, employment, aquaculture, foreign trade, government support and current fisheries management policies in the EU and Turkey, following the introductory remarks on the current global situation of fisheries. The general opinion acquired from the study was that there is intense pressure on wild fish stocks both globally and regionally and that catch production will tend to decrease if current policies continue. Within the scope of this study, a forecast is made for 2030, using the production data of Turkey and the EU in the years referenced for this study and it is predicted that the production from catch fisheries will gradually decrease and the contribution of aquaculture to total production will gradually increase. With the aim of reducing the catch pressure on fish stocks while maintaining production in different ways, Turkey has supported aquaculture for many years and achieved a rapid growth in aquaculture, that contributes to food supply, exports and employment. In the EU, active international initiatives such as effective representation in regional fisheries management organizations and gaining access to new fishing areas through bilateral fisheries agreements are important to meet the consumer demand. However, as these attempts are insufficient to meet the demand, the EU is the world's largest importer of fisheries products. Turkey's most important external stakeholder in the international fisheries trade (with exports that account for more than 60%) is the EU. The future investments for aquaculture sector, taking into account the consumption habits in the EU should give priority to introducing new species for aquaculture sector and ensure that the exporter enterprises whose infrastructure are in compliance with EU standards could positively affect both production and exports of Turkey. In parallel with the reduction of the fleet capacity, both the EU and Turkey have a decline in catch production and the average per boat production remains at unchanged levels. From a positive perspective, this might indicate that the pressure on fish stocks has decreased. However, such an approach can make the status of stocks irreversible, in the event of a decline due to the continuation of overfishing, as it is essential to identify and interpret the current status of fish stocks in the light of continuous and reliable scientific data. The lack/inadequacy of scientific data and the lack of sufficient consideration by policymakers cause the pressure on fishery resources to continue. For the EU, fishing is also a strategic area of interest in maritime, energy, transport and tourism. Turkey should carefully consider the political background and subtext, both in its relations with the EU and in the international platforms in which the EU is a stakeholder.