Fisheries of Akçakoca (West Black Sea) and Socio-Economic Analysis of Fishermen

The present study aims to investigate the socio-economic structure of the fishermen fishing at the fisher port of city of Düzce, district of Akçakoca located in the southwestern shore of the Black Sea. Primarily the fishermen, members of S.S. Akçakoca Fishery Cooperatives have been investigated. It is revealed in the study that the age of fishing boats vary 2 to 33 years and fishermen generally prefer extension net and hand-line fishing. It is revealed in the study that the age of the fishermen vary 33 to 68 years, all fishermen (67% primary school, 31% high school, 2% university) and their wives (80% primary school, 18% high school, 2% literate) are literate, 33% is retired and 56% is merely fishermen, 67% is covered by social security, 80% resides in their own homes and 36% owns personal cars. The fact that all fishermen stated that they are satisfied with being engaged in fishing stands out in the study. Moreover, the majority of the fishermen (87%) believe that the fishermen shall be educated on fishing. In conclusion, the present study reveals the socio-economic structure of the fishermen in Akçakoca. Furthermore, it is also found out in the study that 80% of the fishermen experience loss of property in the past due to the structure of the fishing port. Additionally, almost all fishermen stated in the study that mortality occurred due to the structure of the fishing port. It is believed that the additional breakwater planned to be built in the fishing port is a must for the security of both life and property of the fishermen, furthermore, the issue raised by 91% of the fishermen that the port is small would be solved.