THE CURRENT STATUS AND THE ECONOMIC ASSESMENT OF SAND SMELT (Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810) INTRODUCED INLAND WATER OF TURKEY

Authors : Zehra Arzu BECER, Sengul BILGIN

Pages : 35-43

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Publication Date : 2018-04-30

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :In this study, it is emphasized that the current situation and economical evaluation of sand smelt, a species of Mediterranean origin, in Turkey. In recent years, sand smelt, has entered into many natural and artificial lakes in different parts of Turkey by fishing. Although, it is not consumed in the domestic market, it is exported and has become an important species both for the region ’ s and Turkey ’ s economy. Thus, fishing this species has substantially increased both in the natural and the artificial lakes. Due to over fishing of sand smelt and the lack of fish-ban application in the Turkish freshwaters, although there is a heavy fishing pressure on the species, the species continues to form high populations in the Turkish freshwaters. Thus, it is thought that this species will cause negative effects in terms of freshwater ecosystems and fishing. Therefore, this species should be removed from the Turkish lakes by heavy fishing. The caught fish can be utilized in different ways including fish flour, fish feed, marinade production and can contribute to the Turkish economy.
Keywords : Sand Smelt, Atherina boyeri, current situation, economical evaluation