Status of small-scale fishery of the Hatay region

The aim of this study was to investigate socio-economic structure and problems of artisanal fisheries in Samandağ, Arsuz, İskenderun, Payas and Dörtyol districts of Hatay Province, in the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Technical and physical features of fishing gears, socio-economic characteristics of fishermen, economic analysis of fishery activity and the problems faced by fishermen were examined. A total of 317 boats were found to be registered in the small-scale fishing activity in these regions. The data were obtained from face to face inteviews carried out by 209 fishermen who are mainly engaged in the fishing activities in the Samandağ, Arsuz, İskenderun, Payas and Dörtyol coastal areas. A total of 42 questions were asked. Small-scale fishery is a source of income for many people, particularly in small towns and fishing areas with low-capital investments. Small-scale fishery also contribute to the healthy nutrition of the people of the region. Aquaculture plays an important role in human protein requirements. There is a increasing need to supporting bodies or programs in order to get a sustainable small scale fishery in these coastal regions. There is also a serious risk for small-scale fishermen and their families since their life depends on the income coming from fishery resoures decreasing in coastal areas.