Food ranks first in the sole needs of all humanity. Fisheries have also played an important role in the nutrition of individuals since ancient times. The industrialization of the fishing of seafood around the world reveals the importance of logistics services in this field. Both within the borders of the country and internationally, aquaculture logistics is increasing its share in the sector day by day.
On a global scale, the aquaculture sector is growing exponentially year by year. “According to 2022 data, per capita consumption of seafood in the world is 22 kilograms. In Turkey, this amount is 6 kilos.” More than half of the sector is based on fishing. However, aquaculture is a rising trend in many countries, especially in Turkey.
“In the sector, where China and India are in the first place, the total production worldwide reached 185.4 million tons in 2022 and the commercial value of the production made in more than 230 countries and regions was recorded to be 195 billion dollars that day. These numerical values alone show the weight and importance of the aquaculture sector in the world economy (FAO, 2024).”
It is expected that this rise in the consumption of aquaculture products will continue in the coming years. The fact that seafood products are healthy and an economic food group that feeds large communities has also made the logistics of these products important. Especially through maritime transportation, seafood products are transferred from one country to another in high tonnages.
In Turkey, which is geographically surrounded by seas on three sides, per capita consumption of seafood is below the world average. However, the export of aquaculture products has a significant share in Turkey.
As of 2024, the export of fishery products is around 2 billion dollars. There is a target to increase this amount above 2 billion dollars. There is an increase in fish farms in Marmara, the Black Sea and Mediterranean. In addition, high-value-added aquaculture products such as crayfish are exported to European countries through freshwater fishing.
Sea bream and sea bass grown in the Aegean and Mediterranean are frequently exported to Russia and Middle Eastern countries.
Fishery products need a fast and controlled logistics process due to their perishable nature. The most commonly used transportation methods to ensure that seafood products reach the consumer by preserving their freshness are maritime and road transportation.
Sea transportation is especially preferred for large-scale export and import processes. Frozen or chilled seafood products are transported in special cold air containers (reefer containers) to maintain freshness even over long distances.
Road transportation is used for shorter distances and when fast delivery is required. Refrigerated trucks (refrigerated vehicles) are used to safely transport fresh and frozen seafood products, especially in domestic distribution processes.
