ROLE OF FISHERY COOPERATIVES IN FISHERIES MANAGEMENT; THE CASE OF MARMARA SEA, TURKEY

Abstract

<div><!--block-->In this study it was aimed to determine the role and efficiency of fishery cooperatives on fisheries management, impact of fishing activities on marine ecosystems and socio-economic life of the fishermen by the characteristics of the fisheries and members profile.&nbsp; According to the data provided, total number of fishermen is 3557 from 56 cooperatives by 2010. The rate of member of the cooperatives is 2.8% of which 72.2% are actively working professional fishermen No definite effect of focused cooperatives was observed on the fish stock management process. On the other hand members have some direct and indirect expectations regarding fish stock management. These are; illegal fishing-lack of monitoring, surveillance and control (41.9%), failures to record landings&nbsp; (34.9%), no fishing zones in the near coastal band for the big fishing vessels 18.6(%), insufficient management measures for fishing activities (16.3%), demand to take part in fisheries control system by 9.3 (%), and restriction of high ranged fish finders in the fishing fleet&nbsp; (9.3%), respectively. According to the results of this survey, it was concluded that fisheries cooperatives as the most important professional fisheries groups have not been at the level to cover the needs of fisheries. The reason of the undeveloped state of fishery cooperatives have insufficient financial support to empower cooperatives, lack of auto-control and inspections, as legal, financial, structural and social based problems.&nbsp;</div>