Analysis of Demersal Fish Fauna off the Sea of Marmara, Turkey

Demersal fish fauna of the Sea Marmara, Turkey was determined by bottom trawl surveys between March 2017-December 2018 at 34 stations with monthly samplings. During study, a total 61 teleost and 12 cartilaginous species belonging to 42 families were sampled. The target, bycatch discard rates CPUE as 13.40%, 69.64% 16.95%, respectively. In total, 53.9% stemmed from Trachurus trachurus. Mustelus mustelus, Raja clavata, Merluccius merluccius Merlangius merlangius had highest mean 77.63, 71.86, 71.72 72.68 kg/km2, biodiversity observed in southwestern part Marmara Sea. With increasing depth, number decreased, whereas increased. values economical demersal lower comparison those reported other regions Turkey. Evidence suggests stocks shallower distribution is under heavier threat against fishing pressure. Since commercial trawling banned beam fishery can be considered major region.