Turkey has been known as a country of fishery products since ancient times. Surrounded by seas on three sides, Turkey is boasting numerous lakes and rivers where wide variety of fish live.

Besides, the inland resources are very rich in Turkey. This fishery potential will increase with the completion of the Atatürk Dam in the Southeastern Anatolian Region of Turkey and will create more areas to be used for fishery purposes. The species obtained from the inland fisheries are mainly Common carp, Grey mullet, Mullet, Pike perch, Trout, Eel etc. On a geographical basis, the greatest fish activity has traditionally been located along the East Black Sea Coast of Turkey, including fisheries for a variety of shellfish.

In response to recognition of strong household demand, the growing requirements of the tourist industry and strong demand for certain species on export markets, production from the Aegean Sea has increased considerably.

Since the natural structure is very suitable for aquaculture, it seems that Turkey will achieve great developments in this area. The farms are particularly located in the Central Anatolian, Aegean and Western Blacksea Regions and their numbers have increased in the past years, leading to production surplus that cause rise in the exports of Turkish fishery products. The species of the products produced in these regions are trout, sea bream, sea bass and salmon.

Fresh water fishing in Turkey evidently offers even greater potential for both fish and shellfish. Substantial export oriented business has developed and Turkey became a supplier to European countries, USA and Middle East countries.

The export of fishery products valued at 99 million US$ in 1999 and the major export markets of these products are the European Union, USA, Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) and Middle East Countries.