Mortality and exploitation of the common sole Solea solea (Linnaeus, 1758) from the trammel net fishery in southern Aegean Sea

Abstract

Gunk Bay is one of the most important common sole fishery areas in Turkey. In this study, it was aimed to determine the total (Z), natural (M) and fishing (F-curr) mortalities and current exploitation rate (E). We obtained samples from small-scale commercial fishermen between October 2013 and November 2015, Z, M, F-curr, and E were estimated as 0.97.yr(-1), 0.31.yr(-1), 0.66.yr(-1) and 0.68.yr(-1), respectively. According to reference points, we found F-curr and E to be high and these values are thought to he associated with high fishing pressure on common sole stocks. Limiting of the panel numbers, additional closure seasons, scientific monitoring, considering other commercial species, and education of fishermen should be implemented in order to decrease fishing pressure for the sustainable common sole fishery.