16 October 2023, Ankara – On 6 October, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held a consultation workshop to discuss ways to enhance the potential of the shellfish industry in Türkiye. The workshop forms part of the FISHCap project (Capacity Building for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Management in Central Asia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye), which contributes to the development of shellfish aquaculture in Türkiye. More than 50 people participated including representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye, universities, the private sector and non-governmental organizations. Prior to the workshop a field visit was organized on 2–5 October to visit existing mussel production facilities and potential shellfish aquaculture areas in İzmir, Balıkesir and Yalova provinces. 

In his opening remarks at the workshop, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Central Asia, Viorel Gutu, explained that FAO, as a committed partner in fostering responsible aquaculture practices worldwide, is enthusiastic about supporting Türkiye’s initiative to unlock the potential of shellfish aquaculture. Gutu pointed out that shellfish aquaculture contributes to the diversification of the aquaculture sector and can enhance livelihoods in coastal communities, reduce overfishing pressure on wild stocks and improve environmental quality by serving as bio-filters in aquatic ecosystems.

M. Altuğ Atalay, Director-General of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, also spoke about the increasing importance of shellfish culture in global aquaculture. He noted the desire for greater involvement in mussel and oyster farming on the part of the private sector, and emphasized that the General Directorate had prioritized the creation of a sustainable roadmap for the development of the sector with FAO’s technical guidance and support playing a crucial role. 

As part of the workshop, international expert on shellfish culture, F. Vallerie, presented a brief overview of the current situation of shellfish culture in the world, focusing in particular on oyster culture. As Vallerie explained, shellfish farming production increased from 5 million tonnes to 17.7 million tonnes between 1990 and 2020. This is due to developments in the exploitation of this natural resource, which is relatively easy to capture and raise. The cost of shellfish production is very low in Asia, at less than 1 euro/kg, making shellfish the cheapest source of protein in the world.

Vallerie also underlined Türkiye’s advantages in shellfish culture and the oyster market in terms of geographical position, relationships with neighbouring countries, accumulation of know-how about aquaculture, the growing interest of the private sector in shellfish culture, and Türkiye’s huge experience in fish hatchery management and techniques.

During the meeting, industry leaders and stakeholders reached a consensus on the short-term strategic framework for development of the shellfish sector. The key components of this strategy include an in-depth analysis of domestic and export market potential focusing on areas with high sanitary security for breeding. Additionally, the strategy aims to establish technology transfer partnerships for hatcheries, commencing with a sterile micro-nursery for spat cultivation and progressively integrating advanced techniques in genetic selection and tetraploid broodstock production for triploid oysters. Importantly, this strategic approach is evaluating the banning of invasive species such as Crassostrea gigas triploid oysters and implementing a pilot programme to breed oysters with 20 percent meat content. Furthermore, to meet international standards, the strategy focuses on enhancing shellfish purification protocols and exploring potential partnerships to invest in Türkiye’s shellfish industry. 

Looking at future prospects, the strategy emphasizes the establishment of training programmes for various professions and the development of a technical cooperation programme project with FAO. This holistic approach represents a crucial step forwards for the Turkish shellfish industry, ensuring sustainable growth and global competitiveness. 

About the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes

The objectives of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes are to provide support to ensure food security, rural poverty reduction and sustainable forest management; combat desertification; and preserve ecosystems in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and other countries of mutual interest. 

Established in 2007, the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programme on Food and Agriculture (FTPP) has benefited from trust fund contributions totalling USD 10 million, financed by the Government of Türkiye and represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. During the first phase of the programme, 28 projects were implemented in 16 countries between 2009 and 2015. 

In 2014, Türkiye and FAO commenced the second phase of the FTPP along with the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP) with additional funding of USD 20 million, bringing Türkiye’s total contribution to USD 30 million.

LINKS:

·       FISHCap Project introductory flyer

·       FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division

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