Assessment of goatfish fisheries in Turkey based on the microdata set of official landing statistics

Although goatfishes (Mullidae Rafinesque, 1815) are among the most important commercial fishes in Turkey, no research has been found investigating characteristics and spatial patterns of goatfish fishery. Here, we assessed fishery Turkey based on microdata set Turkish National Fishery Statistics gathered by Statistical Institute (TÜİK) between 2014 2017. In this context, investigated variation total catch cities. addition, compared contribution small (boat <10m) large scale >10m) fishers as well different fishing techniques to Turkey. Finally, an evaluation was made discard rates recorded official landing statistics. The results showed that higher red mullet (Mullus barbatus Linnaeus, 1758) reported eastern Mediterranean, whereas surmullet surmuletus significantly western Black Sea. On other hand, fishery-independent investigations revealed fleet mostly catches throughout coasts Therefore, separate records statistics likely represent local names rather than two species. Large were main source pressure Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea However, majority landed Marmara bottom trawl 88, 92 87% respectively. Purse seiners provided largest part (40%) where is prohibited. overall average for rate be 0.47%. There statistically significant differences species, marine regions or methods.