New Alternative Fishing Gear Suggestions for Trap Fisheries from the Waste Recycle Materials: Case Study for Muricidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries have a high socioeconomic importance for local communities. Therefore, ensuring the sustainability of fisheries resources would contribute for the socioeconomic development of fisheries communities. In this study, traps produced from plastic waste recycle materials which can be used in fishing of economically valued whelks (Hexaplex trunculus and Bolinus brandaris) that are used as natural bait in angling and longline fishing were investigated. These traps in different sizes were examined at the depths of 3-8 m in the Urla coasts of Izmir Bay, Turkey. The soaking times of traps were between 10-48 hours. The same amounts of baits (Sardina pilchardus) were equally placed in all traps. Catch per unit efforts (CPUE) of traps were calculated between 7-34 individuals/trap per day. The experimented traps were found successful for whelks fishing. Traps yield high quality and economically valued catches, related with restricted bycatch and low impact on habitat. Therefore, these traps can be suggested as alternative fishing gears designed for trap fisheries for whelks. This paper provides valuable knowledge for fisheries managers and decision makers to ensure the sustainability of local fisheries resources and small-scale fisheries.