World Aquaculture 69 rent low yield of fishery products does not meet the demands (Akca 2006). Although the improvement of fisheries production in Turkey was accepted as a national policy in 2000s by the Government, strategy and development plans have not been improved. For this reason, except for some foreign supported projects outlined above, important projects were not supported and carried out (Anonymous 2004). Sources of broodstock, production of egg and larvae of cultured species is not readily available. For example, in trout farming there are no firms specializing in broodstock, egg and larvae production. Therefore, some farms import eggs (Anonymous 2004). In Turkey, modern technological equipments and materials have not been produced by the private sector and national industry and fisherman housings number in Turkey is enough, but they have some important regulations and management infrastructure problems (Akgün 2004). Protection and sustainable use of inland waters have not been carried out efficiently. For example, some lakes dried in recent years. This situation caused limitations on fish production and catch areas (Anonymous 2004). Problems in supplying fish food. In Turkey, fish rearing depends mainly on reproduction of carnivore fish species. As a result, fish food production relies largely on fish meal and fish oil (Köprücü 2007). In Turkey, fish meal is traditionally used for fish rations as a source of animal protein because of its protein quality and palatability. Although there was a fluctuation between years more than 24,000 t of fish meal was produced in Turkey (Yıldırım 2006). Nevertheless, increasing demand, high cost and uncertain availability of fish meal has severely restricted its use in Turkey as a protein source for diets. For example, to produce fish meal Engraulis encrasicolus was used by at least 25 factories in 1995s, but fluctuations in E. encrasicolus catch severely reduced fish meal production. The proportion of the anchovy that goes to fish meal depends on the total catch and their seasonal nature (URL 1). In 2003-2004, fish meal and oil were produced by only 9 factories, and total fish meal production was 18,000 t (Yıldırım 2006). In 2006, approximately 60,000 t of fish meal was used in fish food production (Köprücü 2007). It means the rest of the demand was imported. On the other hand, food costs accounted 40-60 percent of the total expenditure depending on different factors, such as species, production technique and production capacity. Increases in the production of fish meal cost caused problems for producers. Legal difficulties. Especially in marine environments, the bureaucracy involved in licensing fish farms is made difficult, time-consuming and suffers from luck of technical knowledge and insufficient exchange of know-how and cooperation concerning new developments (Atay et al. 2000, Memiş et al. 2002). For example, in Turkey to establish a farm for aquatic production and rearing, it is necessary to get permits from 11 different organizations of the Government. These are: Ministry of Public Works and Settlement, General directorate of Sea and Oceanography, Ministry of Transport and Communication, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Prime Ministry State Planning Organization, Prime Ministry Privatization Administration, Ministry of Finance, Health Ministry and Agricultural Bank of Turkey (Patrona 2007). The process of getting permits generally takes nearly two years. Furthermore, duration of land renting is short and cost of rent is higher in Turkey. For these reasons, creating establishments takes a long time and enterprises do not want to start construction until permits are obtained. In addition, rents ratio between areas very differently (Anonymous 2004). The majority of areas suitable for establishing fish farms belong to the Government. After rent process of these lands conflict occur between renters, territory public and local government (Akgün 2004). Insufficient organization in fisheries. The fisheries sector in Turkey is not well-organized. Because of social and economic problems, cooperation in the fisheries sector is not effective in marketing, obtaining input, cold conservation, export and obtaining credits (Atay et al. 2000, Akgün 2004). In addition, there is no especial foundation protecting fishermen’s rights (Anonymous 2004). Fortunately, there are some technical staff employed in provincial areas. In addition, although Turkey has enough potential experts for preparation of production projects, farm establishment and disease prevention, the necessary consultancy sectors have not been thoroughly developed (Atay et al. 2000, Anonymous 2004). Solutions to Problems The following arrangements should be carried out to solve the problems of aquaculture sectors in Turkey: 1. Research and Development studies should be carried out on potential water resources for aquaculture to provide rational and sustainable use of these resources. In addition, the stock situation of both inland and marine resources should be determined and sustainable use of these sources should be ensured. 2. Organization and insurance of aquatic product producers should be encouraged to provide responsible fisheries, good quality production, distribution of product and cost stability. 3. The production, sales and application of vaccines, medicines and other chemicals used for fish health should be controlled. In addition, central laboratories on fish disease diagnosis and treatment should be established. 4. To prevent such conflicts and minimize environmental impacts, offshore mariculture systems and eco-friendly technologies have to be adopted. In addition, integrated coastal zone management models must be developed and implemented. 5. Duration to rent public areas for aquaculture purposes Continued from page 16) Problems and Solutions
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