Determination of amount of lost fishing gear on Karataş and Yumurtalik (Iskenderun Bay) during a fishing season

Ghost fishing refers to derelict fishing gear, either lost or abandoned, which continues to function in the water; continuing to induce mortality of aquatic organisms without human control. Fishing gear tends to be constructed from modern synthetic fibres that are non-biodegrable. This means that snagged or lost gear and torn fragments of net may continue to catch fish indefinitely. This study carried out for the purpose of determine lost fishing gears amount in Karataş and Yumurtalık during a fishing season. Therefore, questionnaire has been made to fishermen and head of cooperatives. According to the questionnaire, estimated that approximately 226km set net have been lost due to various reason in Karataş and Yumurtalık.