Fish stocks are healthy and Norwegian fishermen are among the few enjoying profitable seasons. Swordfish, thus, plays a very small role in Turkey's fisheries and Turkey ranks low among the European countries that reported landings of swordfish in 1993. Turkey's catch of swordfish peaked at 589 tons in 1988 and then declined to 100 tons in 1991. Most fish caught by Turkish fishermen are consumed fresh, but some processing does take place, such as canning, smoking, or drying. There are many small coastal villages settled on the Turkish coast and along the shores of inland lakes.
Fishing is a family tradition employing father and son, typically using a small wooden boat.
There are approximately 24,000 fishermen employed in Turkish fisheries.