The Presentation of the Risks That Oil Pollution Poses to Aquaculture

Abstract

Aquaculture has emerged as the most rapidly growing technology for food production on a global scale. The current growth trajectory of aquaculture production surpasses that of all other meat production types and is anticipated to persist in its ascent with the continuous expansion of the agriscience industry. The contribution of aquaculture to food security varies based on species and country, either directly through domestic consumption or indirectly through the stimulation of economic growth via exports. In Türkiye, the share of aquaculture in overall production has increased over the years and has become a significant contributor to the country’s economic development through exports. Fish farms concentrated in the Eastern Black Sea and Southern Aegean regions also draw attention due to their proximity to sea areas with intense maritime activities. Potential marine pollution in these regions poses a serious risk to these economically important resources, making it crucial to predict the extent of this risk in advance and take preventive measures. This study aims to simulate, through a scenario, how a possible oil spill in the Southern Aegean region would spread in the sea, how quickly it would reach the fish farms in this region, and how long it would take to impact the fish population to a certain extent. The values derived from this simulation will shed light on intervention plans to be implemented by both local and central authorities, serving as exemplary models for formulating similar plans for all aquaculture resources.