Aquaculture in Çanakkale : Current Status and Future Perspectives

This study was conducted to examine the current status of aquaculture in Çanakkale province and to offer solutions that will contribute to the sector's development. The study involved a detailed analysis of the aquaculture enterprises in Çanakkale and the data related to these enterprises. The province's current aquaculture structure and potential were highlighted, drawing attention to the diversity in aquaculture production and the opportunities available in the region. The study revealed that there are a total of 18 aquaculture facilities in Çanakkale. Of these, 41.2% are involved in mussel farming, 23.5% in trout farming, 23.5% in carp farming, 5.9% in lugworm farming, and 5.9% in the cultivation of seabass, gilthead seabream, turbot, and grouper. The highest production by species occurs in mussel farming, while lugworm and marine fish farming remain at the lowest levels. In 2023, a total of 581.92 tons of aquatic products were produced in Çanakkale, with 292.76 tons coming from inland waters and 289.16 tons from marine waters. However, it was determined that the share allocated to the sector in the support payments made in the same year was 5.61%. It has been determined that global climate change and the accompanying drought threaten the freshwater resources in Çanakkale province, and the marine ecosystem is also affected by the mucilage phenomenon due to the increase in water temperature and organic pollution load. These problems experienced in water resources cause production losses in the aquaculture sector. The sustainable development of the aquaculture sector in Çanakkale, which also has a wide range in terms of cultivated species, requires a multidisciplinary approach and planning using advanced technology tools. It is anticipated that such an approach will provide significant increases in aquaculture production.