Effects of mesh size on catch efficiency and catch composition of multifilament trammel nets in Beymelek Lagoon (Antalya, Türkiye)
Abstract
Mesh size strongly influences catch efficiency and catch composition in trammel-net fisheries. This study evaluated the effects of four different inner panel mesh sizes (18, 22, 26, and 30 mm) on catch efficiency, catch composition, and discard proportions of multifilament trammel nets in Beymelek Lagoon (Antalya, Türkiye). Samples were obtained at four stations monthly from January to December 2019, using the haul-seine (voli) method. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was analysed using a linear mixed-effects model with mesh size, sampling month, and sampling station as fixed effects and fishing operation as a random effect. Mesh size affected log-transformed CPUE (P <0.001), an effect that represents the combined influence of mesh size and panel position (confounded by the fixed panel order) rather than mesh size alone. Sampling month and station also contributed to variation in catches. Estimated marginal means indicated that the 18-mm mesh had a CPUE significantly lower than the 22, 26, and 30 mm meshes, but the three larger sizes were not significantly different from one another. The weight-based discard proportion was highest at the 18 mm mesh (14.4%) and significantly higher than at the 22, 26 and 30 mm meshes, which did not differ from one another; by number, discard proportions did not differ significantly among meshes once over-dispersion was accounted for. Increasing the inner-panel mesh size from 18 to 22 mm was associated with higher catch efficiency. Both catch efficiency and discard composition should therefore be considered when selecting an appropriate mesh size to support the sustainable management of Mediterranean lagoon fisheries.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Project Number
Ethical Statement
Thanks
References
- Akkuş, M., Bozaoğlu, A. S., & Eryaşar, A. R. (2023). Selectivity of monofilament gillnets with different mesh sizes used in fishing of pearl mullet (Alburnus tarichi (Güldenstädt, 1814)) in Lake Van. Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 40(1), 56-61. https://doi.org/10.12714/egejfas.40.1.08
- Akongyuure, D. N., Amisah, S., & Agyemang, T. (2017). Gillnet selectivity estimates for five commercially important fish species in Tono Reservoir, Northern Ghana. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research & Management, 22(4), 278–289. https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12188
- Altuntaş, C., Tokaç, A., Herrmann, B., Mısır, D. S., Dağtekin, M., & Cerbule, K. (2024). Effect of mesh size in monofilament and multifilament gillnets on catch efficiency in the Black Sea whiting (Merlangius merlangus) fishery. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 299, 108695. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2024.108695
- Anonymous. (1984). Beymelek Lagün Gölü etüdü sonuç raporu [Survey final report of Beymelek Lagoon]. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs, Research Project Report No. 1, Antalya.
- Ayaz, A., Altınağaç, U., Özekinci, U., Özen, Ö., Altın, A., & İşmen, A. (2011). Effect of twine thickness on selectivity of gillnets for bogue, Boops boops, in Turkish waters. Mediterranean Marine Science, 12(2), 358-368. https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.37
- Aydın, C., Kaykaç, M. H., & Tosunoğlu, Z. (2018). Reflection of changed catch composition on characteristics of fishing gear; Gökova Bay case study. Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 35(3), 251-260. https://doi.org/10.12714/egejfas.2018.35.3.04
- Balık, İ., Emre, Y., Sümer, Ç., & Tamer, F. Y. (2011a). Spatial and temporal variations and assemblage structure of fish species in Beymelek Lagoon, Turkey. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 27(4), 1023-1030. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0426.2011.01762.x
- Balık, İ., Emre, Y., Sümer, Ç., Tamer, F. Y., Oskay, D. A., & Tekşam, İ. (2011b). Population structure, growth and reproduction of leaping grey mullet (Liza saliens Risso, 1810) in Beymelek Lagoon, Turkey. Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 10(2), 218-229.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Fisheries Management
Journal Section
Research Article
Early Pub Date
September 5, 2026
Publication Date
-
Submission Date
July 29, 2026
Acceptance Date
September 1, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication