Determination of fishing efficiency and selectivity of multifilament trammel nets in pearl mullet, Alburnus tarichi (Güldenstädt, 1814), fishing in Lake Van, Turkey
Pearl mullet is an endemic fish species living in the Van Lake Basin. Furthermore, it is an important species for both the region and Turkey, as it is the most caught fish in inland waters. Therefore, the sustainability of fishing is of utmost importance in terms of fisheries management. This study aimed to determine the the selectivity of multifilament trammel nets in pearl mullet, Alburnus tarichi (Güldenstädt, 1814), fishing in Lake Van. In line with this objective, the multifilament trammel nets with the mesh sizes of 20, 22 and 24 mm were tested. The “SELECT” method was applied to determine the selectivity parameters. According the results, the lengths of the optimum catching using nets with 20, 22 and 24 mm mesh sizes were calculated as 20.76 cm, 22.07 cm and 24.11 cm, respectively. The highest average CPUE in weight was found to be 24 mm (6.007 kg / 100 m / day). Considering the data obtained in the present study, in pearl mullet fishing, the best optimum catch length and CPUE values were determined in multifilament trammel nets with 24 mm mesh size. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the use of 24 mm mesh size in Lake for pearl mullet fishing will be more beneficial in terms of both fish stocks and the local fishermen.