Capital-Labor-Output Nexus in Türkiye's Fisheries Sector: Panel ARDL Analysis

This study analyzes the relationship between production, labor force and capital investments in the fisheries sector in the Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, Western Black Sea and Eastern Black Sea regions of Türkiye and examines their effects on sectoral growth and employment. In the study, total fish production, number of employees in the sector and capital investments (number of vessels) variables are used in the panel data analysis covering the period 2006-2023. According to the results of the analysis, the labor force has a positive and significant effect on production, but the effect of capital on production is negative. This shows that capital investments in the Turkish fisheries sector have not been able to provide the expected productivity growth. Moreover, capital investments are found to support employment by increasing labor demand. The long-run cointegration results reveal a strong equilibrium relationship between the variables. This study contributes to the existing research in the literature and provides strategic recommendations for the development of sustainable growth and productivity policies in Türkiye's fisheries sector. In particular, supporting aquaculture activities, modernizing capital investments and taking regional differences into account are critical for the long-term sustainability of the sector.