Evaluation of the economic loss of musilage on commercial fisheries in Çanakkale

In today's world, where many changes are experienced in marine ecosystems, the risks faced by commercial fisheries in the sea have increased with the effect of technological factors, especially climate change, and many stress factors related to the market. In recent years, mucilage seen in the Marmara Sea has been one of the biggest risks faced by commercial fishermen. For this reason, in this study, it was aimed to evaluate the economic effect of the mucilage structure formed in the fishing areas of the enterprises engaged in commercial sea fish fishing in the Marmara and Northern Aegean regions, where the mucilage problem is seen in Çanakkale. The research data were obtained through face-to-face surveys conducted with 28 commercial fishing enterprises in Çanakkale, Marmara and Northern Aegean regions, which were determined by simple random sampling method. The data were analyzed using classical economic analysis methods. The prices were fixed to 2022 and a comparative analysis was made for the period with and without mucilage. The managers of the examined enterprises are younger, moderately educated and professionally experienced in the sector compared to the agricultural sector in general. Businesses continue their fishing activities with their boats, up to 52 miles away, for 10 to 20 days every month of the year, almost half of the day. These enterprises, which tend to continue their activities with their equity capital constituting the majority of their capital, catch 35 different types of fish. Considering the situation in the study area, due to the formation of mucilage, which started in January 2021 and increased in July, the number of days out to sea, the daily fishing time decreased, and the catch efficiency decreased. While this reduction has reduced overall costs due to the reduction in variable costs, the reduction in net income has been much higher. In addition, mucilage-related damages occurred in boats and fishing equipment. Thus, despite the 14% decrease in total expenses, net profit decreased by 34%. In order to protect boats and fishing equipment from the damage of mucilage, it has become inevitable for businesses to follow technological developments and improve their boats and fishing equipment against such structures. Support packages for this purpose, which can be revealed by the studies of authorized institutions and organizations, and suitable loan plans can provide the emergence of more resilient business structures. Incentives that will diversify the incomes of the enterprises can reduce the economic and social problems in the period when the risk arises. Scientific-based information to be made from the point of view of the consumer can maintain the balance of the market. Determining and implementing a sustainable fisheries management model that will protect fish stocks; The identification of such risks can play an important role in mitigating the economic and social losses that may arise, in establishing a risk management plan and taking action when necessary.