Trend analysis and future forecasting of marine capture fisheries production of Turkey

This study aimed to monitor marine capture fisheries production of Turkey currently available provided by the authorities. Hence, marine fishery production was monitored using the statistical data provided by the Turkish statistical institute between 2000 and 2018. Total marine capture fisheries production was calculated by the data on landings of fishery products as 460521 tons in 2000 and 283954.80 tons in 2018. Most of the total production is covered by fish species. In 2000, the production amount was 441690 tons (95.91%) for fish species while it was 18831 tons (4.09%) for other marine species. Although the production amount of other marine species has increased in 2018 (619331 tons, 21.81% of the total production) compared to the amount in 2000 (18831 tons), a large part of the production amount (222023 tons, 78.19%) is still covered by fish species. A very significant decrease (38.34%) was observed in the total production amount between 2000 and 2018. This decrease could be related to overfishing, habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and anthropogenic/natural drivers. Climate change can critically affect ecosystem dynamics, lead to eutrophication and over-exploitation. Over-exploitation can prevent the regeneration of fish stocks. Natural or anthropogenic drivers can damage fish stocks and ecosystem services by habitat destruction. Therefore, the monitoring and regulation of fisheries activities are essential for the sustainability of marine fisheries resources. Regional efforts should be scheduled in terms of responsible fisheries management and ecosystem approached fisheries management in order to ensure the sustainability of marine fisheries resources. Local authorities, policy makers, and fisheries managers should increase their performance and implement measures, improve strengthen fisheries laws and regulations, and they should be capable of taking effective action to maintain ecosystems healthy, to sustain fish populations and marine fisheries productivity for future generations.