Determination of size selectivity veined whelk (Rapana venosa) captured by dredge in the Black Sea

Size selectivity of veined whelk (Rapana venosa) captured by beam trawl having different mesh size (64 mm, 72 mm and 80 mm) were determined in this study ın the black sea. The study carried out May, June and October 2013 in the west coasts of Sinop. A total of 30 valid hauls were made by using hooped covered codend method. A total weight of 76 kg veined whelk was caught in codend and cover. Average length, weight, width and height of veined whelk were determined 75.59±0.38 mm, 94.34±1.43 g, 57.32±0.42 mm and 44.54±0.28 mm, respectively. The length at 50% retention (L50) and selection ranges of veined whelk were found as 57.10 mm and 4.22 mm for 64 mm mesh size, 63.52 mm and 6.31 mm for 72 mm mesh size and 66.64 mm and 4.27 mm for 80 mm mesh size, respectively. The length at 50% retention of 80 mm mesh size was fixed higher than 64 mm and 72 mm mesh size. However, such the first maturity length (40 mm) of veined whelk, fishing gear used legally available features and the continuation of fishing with a 72 mm codend of sea snail said to be suitable in terms of sustainability.