What is Aquaculture Life Insurance?

Aquaculture is a production model that is most integrated with nature and most rapidly affected by environmental factors. A cage system established at sea or a pond facility on land can face a sudden storm, a sharp drop in water oxygen levels, or an unexpected parasite infestation. While a land farmer can see their field, a fish farmer cannot always see the thousands of fish beneath the surface. Aquaculture Life Insurance is a state-subsidized insurance type under the TARSİM guarantee for aquatic products raised in facilities registered in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry registration systems (SKS), protecting them against risks that lead to mortality.

As Panacea Insurance, we understand the risks of this export-champion sector—from Turkish Salmon to Sea Bream—and provide full protection for our producers in the “Blue Homeland.”

How Much of the Premium Does the State Pay?

In this high-cost production branch, state support acts as a lifebuoy:

• 50% Premium Support: The state covers half of the policy premium as a grant. The producer only pays the remaining 50%.
• Young and Women Farmers: An additional 5% discount is applied to young producers under the age of 40 and women producers.
• Closed System Discount: Facilities producing in fully controlled (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems – RAS) receive a discount due to lower risks.

Which Fish Can Be Insured?

The following species can be covered under TARSİM:

• Marine Fish: Sea Bass, Sea Bream, Salmon, Bluefin Tuna, Meagre, etc.
• Inland Water Fish: Trout, Carp, Sturgeon, etc.
• Cleaner Fish (NEW): “Cleaner Fish” used for parasite control in salmon production are now covered by insurance. This is a significant innovation for the sector in 2026.

What Does the Policy Cover?

This insurance provides broad protection against threats both above and below the water:

• Diseases: Mass mortality due to bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases.
• Pollution and Poisoning: Deaths resulting from water pollution or toxic substance mixing (provided there is no negligence).
• Natural Disasters: Storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods.
• Accidents: Fish escapes and deaths resulting from ship collisions, cage destruction, or net tearing.
• Algal Bloom: Oxygen depletion and fish suffocation due to sudden algae proliferation in the sea or lake (one of the biggest risks).
• Predators: Losses resulting from attacks by predators such as seagulls or cormorants (if there is net damage).
• Theft: Theft of fish (with an additional endorsement).

Mandatory Risk Inspection

An aquaculture policy is not issued based on “declaration” alone. TARSİM adjusters must visit the facility and conduct an inspection:

1. Cage/Pond Integrity: The condition of the nets, connecting ropes, and anchoring systems are checked.
2. Water Quality: Water flow speed, oxygen values, and pollution risk are measured.
3. Stock Detection: The declared number of fish is compared with the density (biomass) in the cage.
4. Note: The policy cannot be issued until the risk inspection result is positive.

Your Other Agricultural Investments

Agricultural production is a holistic endeavor. If you have an integrated agricultural enterprise alongside your aquaculture facility:

• If you practice poultry farming on the facility grounds, Poultry Life Insurance,
• If you produce forage crops or practice horticulture, Crop Insurance,
• If you have greenhouses for seedling production, you can fully protect your business with Greenhouse Insurance.

What Should You Do at the Time of Loss?

Because fish mortality can spread rapidly, the intervention window is very short:

1. Emergency Notification: TARSİM must be notified the moment disease symptoms or mortality are observed (within 24 hours at the latest).
2. Sampling: Samples should be taken from the dead fish and water and sent to the laboratory (to prevent decomposition before the adjuster arrives).
3. Cage Control: If there are tears in the cages after a storm, temporary repairs must be made immediately to prevent escapes.

Which Situations are Paid?

Common scenarios for producers:

Situation	Coverage Status
Net Torn in Storm, Fish Escaped	✅ Paid
Oxygen Depletion due to Algal Bloom	✅ Paid
Mortality due to Vibrio Disease	✅ Paid
Mortality due to Feeding Error	❌ Not Paid (Operational Error)
Loss due to Falling Market Prices	❌ Not Paid (Commercial Risk)

You can visit the official TARSİM (Agricultural Insurance Pool) website for technical conditions and SKS registration procedures for aquaculture insurance. Panacea Insurance expertly protects your values beneath the surface.

In conclusion, Aquaculture Life Insurance is your safe harbor in wavy seas. While you entrust millions of living creatures to nature, entrust your financial future to Panacea Insurance. May your nets be full and your course be clear.