Structural and Economic Analysis of Turkish Fishmeal and Fish Oil Industry

Abstract

The structure of fishmeal and oil manufacturers and their challenges and opportunities in Turkey was examined in this study. The research data was collected from both fishmeal and oil manufacturers (12) by using questionnaires and stakeholders of the industry via SWOT analysis. Research results showed that fishmeal and oil manufacturers produced 174 kg of fishmeal and 117 kg of fish oil by processing one ton of anchovy while that of sprat was 140kg and 40kg, respectively. Research results also showed that the strength of the fishmeal and oil sector were the short marketing channel and high profitability while the weaknesses were insufficient fish stock and difficulties in finding fish as a raw material. The most important opportunities and threats were the increasing demand for aquaculture and the lack of data about the stocks of anchovy and sprat, respectively. The four main problem areas in the sector are the difficulties in providing fish, the absence of an effective decision support system developed by using macro and micro level data, infrastructure problems and legislation issues. Contributions to the solution of the problems in this industry include the sustainable use of the fish stock in the Black Sea and increasing the amount of captured fish by focusing on international seas. In addition, designing an information system in the sector, the establishing of laboratories and the necessary facilities for compliance with the standards of food production, the implementation of filter systems for the odor problem, solving the electrical problems, and effective implementation of the legal regulations with the minimum height and catch quota, and the promotion of the qualifications of the managers may enhance the competitive power of the sector. © Published by Central Fisheries Research Institute (CFRI) Trabzon, Turkey.