Structural and technical analysis of fish farms operating in the Karaburun-Ildır Bay Special Environmental Protection Area

Deniz D. Tosun, Mustafa Yıldız, Kadir Doğan, Menekşe Didem Demircan

ORCID IDs: D.D.T. 0000-0001-6612-6624; M.Y. 0000-0002-6774-1466; K.D. 0000-0002-4601-776X; M.D.D. 0000-0002-3571-4682

Department of Aquaculture and Fish Diseases, Division of Aquaculture, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, TÜRKİYE
Department of Aquaculture and Fish Diseases, Division of Fish Diseases, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, TÜRKİYE

Abstract

This manuscript investigates the aquaculture practices in the Karaburun region, located in the İzmir Province of Türkiye, known for its natural beauty and marine biodiversity. Focusing on the Karaburun-Ildır Bay Special Environmental Protection Area (SEPA), covering 946.56 km² of the Aegean Sea, the study evaluates its ecological significance, emphasizing its diverse terrestrial vegetation and rich marine ecosystem. Managed by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, the SEPA aims to protect the natural and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development.

In response to global challenges against the decline of wild fish populations, aquaculture emerges as a solution aligned with the principles of blue growth and sustainability. However, aquaculture faces challenges requiring sustainable practices to mitigate environmental and socio-economic impacts. The manuscript delves into aquaculture practices in the Karaburun region, specifically focusing on off-shore mariculture technology and its emphasis on European sea bass and gilthead sea bream production.

Through on-site surveys with fish farms in the Karaburun-Ildır Bay SEPA, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of the region’s aquaculture industry. The results include the determination of 13 actively engaged companies with a total of 36 licenses, a combined licensed aquaculture production capacity of 49,240 tons/year, and a present production output of 48,470 tons/year. The workforce comprises 486 individuals, including 74 engineers. The region’s annual production includes 27,840 tons of sea bass, 14,610 tons of gilt-head bream, 1,820 tons of meagre, and 4,200 tons of tuna.

The findings underscore the region’s importance in Türkiye’s aquaculture landscape, emphasizing its potential for sustainable development. The manuscript provides valuable insights into the sector’s contributions to the regional and national economy, serving as a foundation for future studies and policy considerations.

Keywords: Aquaculture, Special Environment Protection Area, Karaburun Peninsula, fish farming, sea bass, sea bream

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