MEP has co-authored a report on the supply chain for Turkish Sea Bass and Sea Bream exports to Europe, with a focus on the UK and Austrian markets. It 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 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. Turkey in particular is one of the world’s leading producers of SBSB and an important exporter of seafood to Europe. This report provides relevant stakeholders in Turkey, the EU and the UK with recommendations for moving further toward environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
The report was written by Mersin University (Turkish component) and MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd (UK and Austrian component) in collaboration with WWF.