Fisheries Consumption Worldwide and in Turkey: Current Situation and Future Forecasts Fisheries Consumption

Consumption of seafood is one of the oldest dietary habits in human history. Fish and seafood are essential food sources for many cultures and communities. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, global fish consumption has more than doubled in the last 50 years, rising from an average of 9.9 kg per capita in 1961 to 20.3 kg in 2017.

Fisheries Consumption in the World

According to the FAO, the countries that consume the most fish in the world are generally located in the Asia and Pacific regions. In 2020, 70 percent of the world’s aquaculture and aquaculture production was sourced from Asian countries, followed by countries in America, Europe, Africa and Oceania.

China remains the largest producer of fisheries, followed by Indonesia, Peru, the Russian Federation, the United States, India and Vietnam.

On the other hand, according to FAO’s 2019 data, there is a large increase in the consumption of fish and other seafood. This has been especially true over the past few decades, when sustainable aquaculture consumption has become a global priority and people’s awareness of fish consumption has increased.

Fisheries Consumption in Turkey

Turkey has been an important country in the consumption of fish and seafood throughout history. According to the 2020 data of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), the annual average fish consumption per capita in Turkey is 6.22 kg. However, this is slightly below the world average, which indicates that Turkey has to go a long way in consuming fisheries.

Turkish aquaculture products are recognized among local and international consumers for their quality and diversity. Turkey offers a range of fish species thanks to the rich biodiversity of its coasts. The delicious types of fish Turkey can offer include sea bass, sea bream, anchovies, bonito and sturgeon.

Türkiye is also very rich in other sea products. Seafood such as mussels, shrimp, squid and oysters form an important part of the Turkish cuisine culture. These products are valued both for their taste and for their health benefits.

Future Forecasts

Estimates of seafood consumption are often based on factors such as population growth, income growth, and global environmental changes. According to FAO projections, fish consumption will rise to an average of 21.5 kg per capita per year by 2030.

Consumption of aquatic products in Turkey will also continue to increase. The government has taken several initiatives to raise awareness of the health benefits of fish consumption. Increasing living standards and developing infrastructure in Turkey will also help increase the consumption of fishery products.

Importance of Fisheries Consumption

Aquaculture is important in terms of both nutrition and economy.

Fish and seafood are rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals. Fish consumption plays an important role in reducing the risk of heart disease and brain development.

From an economic perspective, the fishing and aquaculture industry provides income and employment for millions of people around the world. This is also true for Türkiye. The aquaculture sector makes a significant contribution to the economy and provides employment to many people.

Turkey is in a unique position to offer fresh and quality aquatic products. Fishing is one of the most important economic activities in Turkey. Quality Turkish aquaculture products offered by Turkey are in demand by both local and global consumers.

In summary;

Consumption of fish and seafood is increasing in the world and in Turkey. Aquaculture plays an important role in terms of nutrition and economy. Turkey is in a unique position to offer a variety of fish and seafood.

In the future, aquaculture consumption is expected to increase. This means that people tend to adopt healthier eating habits and increase the contribution of the aquaculture industry to the global economy.

Türkiye will continue to progress towards reaching the world average in aquaculture consumption. This will enable Turkey to play a more active role both in the domestic market and in global aquaculture consumption.

Especially the quality and diversity of Turkish fishery products will help this sector to grow even more in the future. Turkey’s aquatic products, besides being delicious and nutritious, are preferred by a wide range of consumers.

As a result, aquaculture consumption will continue to increase both globally and in Turkey. It is time for Turkey to stand out in the aquaculture sector and play a larger role in global fish consumption. The proverb “fish from the sea is equivalent to anchovy” shows that; As consumers, we should be aware of the fact that seafood is a nutritious and healthy nutrition option and we should direct our consumption habits accordingly.

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