The Behaviour of Turkish Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) Fishing Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to contribute to Turkish tuna fishing fleet management. In this context; The Turkish Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus Linnaeus, 1785) fishing fleet in our territorial waters and international waters in the Eastern Mediterranean were monitored on a spatio-temporal basis and a continuous monitoring model for BFT stock was established. Archival data sets of Bluefin Tuna (BFT) 2010-2016 spatial-temporal migration and remote sensing data sets of traces of fishing vessels and environmental factors (SST and Chl-a) were included in the model. Statistical analysis of the model was performed using Geographical Information System (GIS) based-approach and the results were presented on thematic maps. On the other hand, the importance of the announcement of The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for BFT fishing in Eastern Mediterranean was addressed in the study. Accordingly, the possibility of 'Turkey's Exclusive Economic Zone' announcement in Mediterranean Sea and its borders were discussed.

Keywords

• Bluefin tuna,Thunnus thynnus,fishing fleet behaviour,EEZ,GIS

Supporting Institution

TUBITAK

Project Number

115O119

Thanks

The presented study was carried out with the support of TUBITAK (No: 115O119). I would like to express my sincere respect and thanks to Captain İsmail MENEKŞE, Captain Ahmet MENEKŞE, Captain Erol BAYRAKTAR (Zamkinoz), Captain Sinan GIRIT, Ziya SERTER, Captain Mamuş YILMAZ, Captain Ergün ERYILMAZ, Captain Talat YAYLA, Captain İlyas TORLAK, Captain Yakup KURŞUN, Captain İbrahim SERTER, Captain Mahmut MENEKŞE, Captain Sertaç ÇINAROĞLU, Captain Orhan KARADENIZ, Captain Aytekin SERTER, Aktaşlar, Ağaoğulları, Tokerler, Türkmenler, Mamuliler, Geçiciler, Akgünler, Soydemirler, Kul Balıkçılık, Fat Balıkçılık who significantly contributed to the study by sharing their knowledge and experience in the project meetings and workshops I have participated during the project, and all the precious captains of BFT fleets from past to present, to Mr. Abdullah DENIZER and Mr. Murat KUL for their support, and finally to Prof. Dr. Işık ORAY who also significantly contributed to the study with their remarks and suggestions.

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