Muğla fish hatcheries reach 900 million annual juvenile fish capacity

Muğla, Turkey, has established itself as a major hub for aquaculture, with 23 marine fish hatcheries boasting an annual production capacity of approximately 900 million juvenile fish, primarily sea bream and sea bass. The province meets about 75 percent of Turkey's total demand for juvenile fish.

In addition to domestic supply, the region is a significant exporter. Last year, 33 million juvenile fish were exported to five different countries, including Kuwait, Oman, Northern Cyprus, and Albania. These products are transported globally using specialized vehicles, ships, and cargo planes.

Muğla hosts 342 aquaculture production facilities, accounting for roughly one-third of Turkey's total production. These facilities produce approximately 180,000 tons of seafood annually, contributing to an export value of about $750 million. Seyfettin Baydar, Muğla Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, stated that the sector aims to further increase juvenile fish exports in the coming period.