The status of shrimp and sole trammel net fisheries in Iskenderun bay

This study, conducted in the İskenderun Bay between 2023 and 2024, aimed to evaluate the structural characteristics, catch composition, gear capacity, and economic sustainability of small-scale trammel net fisheries. Data were collected through surveys and field observations from 15 vessels, selected via sampling from approximately 50 actively operating boats in the region. The number of shrimp and sole net panels used was recorded for each fishing harbor, along with technical and socio-economic variables such as crew size, vessel length, and annual catch quantities. The analysis revealed that the number of shrimp net panels did not significantly differ among the fishing harbors (p > 0.05), suggesting that this fishing method is homogeneously distributed across the bay. In contrast, significant differences were observed in the number of sole net panels (p<0.05), with Karataş harbor exhibiting notably higher usage. This indicates a spatial concentration of sole fishing efforts and variation in gear intensity. The average number of shrimp net panels was calculated as approximately 30, while that of sole nets was 47. A total of 2,836 kg of shrimp catch was recorded in the sample, with the highest proportion attributed to Farfantepenaeus aztecus, followed by Penaeus semisulcatus and other species. The fishermen reported an average annual shrimp catch of 5.2 tons per vessel; however, field measurements indicated much lower actual yields. This discrepancy reflects a decline in stock levels and suggests that fishermen's estimates, often based on past experiences, do not accurately represent the current situation. This gap underscores a critical issue affecting the economic viability of small-scale fisheries. One of the most significant challenges reported by local fishermen was the price pressure in the domestic market caused by imported shrimp products. They emphasized that the low market prices for locally caught shrimp made it difficult to cover operational costs. The widespread availability of frozen imported shrimp undermines the competitiveness of domestic producers and reduces the economic attractiveness of shrimp fishing. In conclusion, although shrimp and sole fishing with trammel nets is a commonly used technique in the İskenderun Bay, the practice entails biological and economic sustainability risks. The harvesting of juvenile sole and the depressed prices in shrimp markets highlight the need for managerial interventions. This study provides an up-to-date assessment of the current situation in the bay and emphasizes the necessity of integrated policies to protect resources and ensure income security for local fishers.