Socio-economic status of fishermen who catches clams: The case of Istanbul

Mussel meat; It has high protein content, low fat content, contains iron and calcium elements, and is rich in vitamins such as A, B1, B2, C, D, E and niacin. For this reason, although it is an inexpensive protein source for human food, it is consumed as a main course or snack in terms of taste and presentation. The aim of this thesis study is to cover an important deficiency in the literature about mussel fishing by examining the hunting techniques, socio-economic status of fishermen, the problems experienced, as well as their connections with aquaculture farms, by examining the black mussel hunting, which is examined morphologically and mycologically. Rumeli Kavağı Fisherman's Sanctuary, located in Istanbul Province Sarıyer District Rumeli Kavağı Neighbourhood, is the landing point for black mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and the study data were obtained by applying a questionnaire to the boat owners engaged in mussel fishing in this region.36 fishermen who agreed to participate in the study were asked to answer the questionnaire consisting of 34 questions. As a result of the survey, information about the demographic structures of the fishermen, the fishing gear they use, their socio-economic structure and their problems and expectations regarding hunting were obtained. According to the results of the surveys conducted within the scope of the thesis study, the length of the commercial boats fishing mussels is between 6,8-12,1 m, all of them are wooden and motorized, 72,2% of them buy their boats with their own capital, the most used fishing gear is the dreck (bottom). It has been determined that the age range of fishing boat owners varies between 20-72 and they do not work during the mussel fishing ban period. It has been determined that 69,44% of the fishermen prefer brokers as a marketing channel for the product they catch. According to the results obtained, it is suggested that a new field should be opened for fishermen immediately due to reasons such as insufficient stocks and increase in demand due to hunting pressure in areas open to mussel fishing.