Turkish tuna farmers have experienced a remarkable threefold increase in exports to Japan over the last decade, alongside venturing into North Africa. This surge in operations has not only attracted attention from China and South Korea but has also brought challenges, mainly due to the finite nature of tuna resources.
Off the Aegean Sea coast in the province of Izmir, the harvesting of fattened bluefin tuna is a thriving industry. Divers armed with electric harpoons work in farming pens, ensuring a steady supply of tuna that are well-suited to Japanese consumers’ tastes, thanks to a natural diet rich in sardines and mackerel.
While Japan remains the primary market, there’s a growing demand for Turkish tuna in China. Even with the impressive export figures, there’s a realization that this upward trajectory cannot be sustained indefinitely. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) imposes quotas on countries fishing in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, impacting Turkey’s annual catch, currently set at 2,600 tonnes.
This quota is notably smaller than that of the European Union, where rivals like Spain and Malta enjoy a more substantial allocation. Turkey, being a relatively new ICCAT member, faces challenges in influencing these quotas despite its extensive coastline.
To overcome this limitation, Turkish tuna farmers are exploring opportunities beyond their borders. Group Sagun, the country’s leading tuna farming company, has initiated overseas farming in Tunisia, collaborating with local partners. This strategic move aims to secure a larger quota for Turkey and ensure sustainable growth.
Despite the industry’s resilience, the 2023 season presented challenges. Excessive stocks of bluefin tuna from the previous year in Japan led to a significant drop in sale prices. Additionally, the weakened yen affected the purchasing power of Japanese clients. Rising costs for fuel and personnel in Turkey, compounded by a 65% inflation rate in the previous year, added to the complexities faced by Turkish tuna exporters.
Despite these hurdles, Turkish exporters remain hopeful for improved market conditions and better prices in the upcoming year. The industry’s ability to navigate these challenges underscores its adaptability and determination to sustain growth in the competitive global tuna market.
