The status of the marine mammals science and management and interaction of the cetaceans with the trawl

This study was performed to examine the interaction between marine mammals and trawlers in Aegean Sea and with this aim, cruises were set between 23 December 2007 and 14 April 2008 by the trawlers bound to Foça Harbor. The aim is to constitute the foundation for the conservation studies by evaluating the relationship between marine mammals and trawlers for both sides.Tursiops truncatus was declared as most observed species by trawl fishers and researchers in the study area. According to fishing effort data collected in the first period, Tursiops truncatus was observed in % 9 (n=38) of all hunting areas(grids-based) and in % 8 (n=41) of second period grids.The other species observed in the study area is Delphinus delphis. This species was observed in % 0,2 (n=1) of all hunting areas (grids-based) according to fishing effort data.Estimated number of individuals in the study area in the first period is higher than the second period and this information set us thinking the immigration possibility of dolphin individuals in the area.It can be said that there is an indirectly interaction between marine mammals and trawlers although not directly.