Abstract:

In this study, the determination of catch composition in bottom trawling and effect of depth was aimed in the western Black Sea. Data was obtained by 66 bottom trawl hauls during 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 fishing pe-riods in Ä°ÄÃ,Ÿneada and Rumeli Fishing regions. A total of 32 species were obtained where the species composition and catch rates were different between 20-50m and 50-100m depth contours. Bony fishes are dominant group for both depth contours in terms of number of species, number of individuals, and total weight. Target species, whiting and red mullet, consisted of 38.26% and 22.88% of total catch by weight, respectively. The study results show an optimal management should depend on a good understanding of how to catch com-position and conservation concern. Western Black Sea is one of the most important fishing ground in terms of demersal resources and long-term monitoring of trawl catch composition which emphasize factors like depth is needed for long-term sustainability.

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