Under a project, Şırnak University produced 25.5 tons of fish

The 'Development of Sustainable Trout Farming Project,' initiated under the coordination of Şırnak University in 2021, resulted in a total production of 25.5 tons of trout and salmon this year.

The project, carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Technology, Dicle Development Agency, Şırnak Governorate, Şırnak Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and Atatürk University, was successfully completed in 2023. Particularly implemented at the Uludere Dam, this project demonstrated the significant economic potential of fishing and aquaculture in Uludere and other districts of Şırnak. The project served as a model for similar projects in six dams in the region.

Following the project, Şırnak University continues its efforts to ensure the sustainability of aquaculture in the region. In the 2023-2024 season, a total of 25.5 tons of fish, including 4 tons of salmon and 21.5 tons of trout, were produced in the trout farming facility established with the technical support of the Şırnak Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.

The season concluded with feed efficiency above the industry average. Salmon and trout production, which started in November 2023, continued with harvesting activities in April-May 2024. The produced fish were sold in Şırnak city center, Cizre, Silopi, İdil, Uludere, and Beytüşşebap districts, as well as in villages such as Kasrik, Kum Çatı, Balveren, Uzungeçit, Hilal, and Şenoba. While 6.5 tons of trout were sold to facilities operating in the region, 19 tons of trout were distributed to the local residents of Şırnak districts and villages.

The aquaculture production and live fish sales activities carried out under the coordination of Şırnak University's Technology Transfer Office provided access to fresh, protein-rich, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich aquatic products for the local population.

This initiative by the university plays a significant role in promoting aquaculture in the region. Leveraging the experiences from the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons, the university has obtained valuable data on supply, production, and sales processes, positioning itself as a pioneer in the aquaculture sector. This project also serves as a guiding light for private sector entrepreneurs intending to establish new aquaculture production facilities in the region.

In the upcoming seasons, the university aims to increase production capacity to bring affordable and fresh aquatic products to the local population and support the development of the aquaculture sector. These efforts by the university stand as a successful example of university-industry collaboration.