Izmir's program highlights women's crucial role in sustainable aquaculture, showcasing Turkey's fisheries sector strengths.
The 'Sustainable Aquaculture Practices Program,' where young women experienced sustainable practices in the fisheries sector, was successfully held in İzmir.
In collaboration with FEAP and FAO-GFCM, and organized by the Aegean Exporters' Association of Aquaculture and Animal Products, the event titled 'Programme on Sustainable Aquaculture Practices for Young Women' brought together Turkey's strong infrastructure in aquaculture, its understanding of sustainable production, and the increasingly significant role of women in the sector with international participants.
Turkish Aquaculture Sector Shared with Participants from 7 Countries
Bedri Girit, President of the Aegean Exporters' Association of Aquaculture and Animal Products, stated, 'During the event, we presented our country's aquaculture sector to participants selected from Greece, Morocco, Spain, Ukraine, Algeria, Italy, and Tunisia. The active role of women and their contributions in stages such as research, processing, and packaging in the aquaculture sector were observed through company visits. We visited the hatchery facility of Ilknak Aquaculture, the hatchery facility of Akvatek Seafood, the Marex Seafood facility, Emel Fish and Fish Net company, and the fish processing facility of Ertuğ Fish (More Aquaculture). On the last day of the event, we conducted detailed presentations at Ege University regarding Turkey's position in aquaculture and the role of women in the fisheries sector, along with laboratory visits and an aquarium tour.'
66% of Turkish Seafood Exports Come from the Aegean
President Girit continued, 'By 2025, Turkey's seafood exports are expected to reach 2.2 billion dollars, with approximately 66% of this export coming from the Aegean Region. This strong performance once again highlighted the Aegean Region's leadership in the seafood sector and its international competitiveness. Our event, which allows for the sharing of knowledge and best practices with international stakeholders, is extremely valuable in strengthening the role of women in the sector and contributing to the widespread understanding of sustainable aquaculture, supported by our country's strong infrastructure in aquaculture, modern production facilities, sustainability-focused approach, and qualified human resources.'
Empowering Women Brings Resilience and Innovation to the Sector
Şahika Aşkıner, a member of the Supervisory Board of the Aegean Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters' Association and President of the Aegean Businesswomen's Association (EGİKAD), emphasized, 'In our opening and closing events, we highlighted that women play significant roles in various areas of the seafood chain, from production to processing, research, and management, and that the participation and empowerment of women in the sector are becoming increasingly important in Turkey.'
Ufuk Atakan Demir, a board member of the Aegean Exporters' Association of Aquaculture and Animal Products, stated, 'We expressed that the inclusion of women in the sector is not only a matter of equality but also a critical element that supports innovation, resilience, and sustainable long-term development. During the closing meeting, an award was presented for the most successful project draft, and a certificate ceremony was held for all participants. We thank all international participants, trainers, and stakeholder representatives who contributed to the success of the event by sharing their experiences and participating in the program, and we hope that the collaborations established will continue to grow in the future.'
Relevant meetings were attended by Szilvia Mihalffy, Policy and Project Manager at FEAP; Houssam Awadh Hamza, Head of the Aquaculture Section at FAO-GFCM; Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator President of the Aegean Exporters' Unions; Bedri Girit, President of the Aegean Exporters' Association of Aquaculture and Animal Products; Ufuk Atakan Demir, Board Member; Nimet Kavuz, Branch Manager at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Şahika Aşkıner, President of the Aegean Businesswomen's Association; İ. Cumhur İşbırakmaz, Secretary General of the Aegean Exporters' Unions; Deniz Celep, President of the Executive Committee of the TOBB İzmir Women Entrepreneurs Board; and İzmir entrepreneur Pelin Ömüroğlu.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
