Assessing the Status and Management of European Eel, Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus 1758) Fisheries in Türkiye: Trends, Challenges, and Conservation Strategies (2019–2023)

Year 2024, Volume: 6 Issue: 2, 58 - 63

Aytaç Altın , Hakan Ayyıldız

https://doi.org/10.51756/marlife.1540493

Abstract

The European eel, Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus 1758) is a species of critical ecological importance, facing significant population declines due to anthropogenic pressures such as habitat degradation, migration barriers, pollution, overfishing, and climate change. This study investigates the status of European eel fisheries in Türkiye from 2019 to 2023, focusing on the implications of local management practices and environmental changes on eel populations. Utilizing official catch data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, the study analyses trends across three Eel Management Areas (EMAs) in Türkiye. The results reveal a significant decline in eel catches in EMA-1, suggesting urgent conservation needs, while EMA-2 and EMA-3 exhibit relative stability, potentially reflecting effective local management practices and habitat suitability. The results underscore the necessity for region-specific management strategies that consider ecological, environmental, and socio-economic factors. This research contributes to the development of informed management strategies aimed at ensuring the sustainability of European eel fisheries in Türkiye, aligning with international conservation efforts.

Keywords

European eel, Anguilla anguilla, Fisheries management, Climate change, Eel Management Areas (EMAs)

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