Socio-economic analysis of trout pond culture operating managers in Malatya province (Turkey)

This study was conducted to determine the socio-economic features of inland aquaculture managers in Malatya Province (Turkey) and includes the research results of 32 inland trout farmers that were registered in Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry of Malatya Province in 2016.

Total number of registered facilities (cages + ponds) was 77 in Malatya. Aquaculture production was 3520 metric tonnes per year and 450 metric tonnes of them (12.78%) was cultured in ponds and raceways according to the statistical data of 2015. Although managers stated that they were pleased to deal with aquaculture, support should be given to fish feed instead of production. The vast majority of managers were members of the aquaculture association.

The water used for aquaculture was obtained from river and spring water. Managers said that trouts were mostly sold to local restaurants and fewer amounts were sold as retail.

It has been seen that the age of the managers varied between 40-66 and all of them were married males. When the educational status was examined it was seen that 45% of them were high school graduates. It was stated that 50% of them were tradesman, 35% of them were farmers, 5% of them were fisherman and all of them had social security. All managers lived in their own home and 95% of them had a car or van. It was also observed that 85% of managers were educated about aquaculture.