Posted on 17 May 2021

As the largest importers of wild-caught and farmed seafood in the world, the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) have significant impacts on people, the ocean and climate. Consumption patterns and behaviours, sourcing policies of retailers and food services providers, and government regulatory requirements all have a substantial influence on how seafood is produced in source countries, particularly developing countries outside the EU. 

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) (SBSB) are becoming increasingly popular choices in European markets. Global production over the last decade (2008-2017) has increased by 86% for sea bass and 68% for sea bream alone, and developing countries are by far the largest contributors to this. Turkey in particular is one of the world’s leading producers of SBSB and an important exporter of seafood to Europe.   

This report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the supply chain for Turkish SBSB exports to Europe, with a focus on the UK and Austrian markets, and highlights the significant interdependency between seafood producing and consuming countries. Surveys were conducted to uncover the environmental and social aspects of SBSB production in Turkey and requirements set by markets in Europe.   

As with other global aquaculture industries, there are existing and future challenges identified, which the Turkish farmed SBSB industry needs to address to meet market expectations. This report provides relevant stakeholders in Turkey, the EU and the UK with recommendations for moving further toward environmental sustainability and social responsibility.