Comparison of biological characteristics of the horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus L. 1758) which caught of different fishing gears in the southern Black Sea (Turkey)

Abstract

Total of 6035 horse mackerel, Trachurus trachurus L. 1758, found in the Black Sea, caught by various types of fishing gear, as purse seines, bottom trawls, gillnets, mid-water trawls and fishing lines had been examined during January to December 2003. Length, weight, sex distribution, the ratio offish under the minimum legal landing size and distribution of juvenile fish and the types of gear used were compared as a part of the study. Mean total lengths of the horse mackerel caught using all these types of fishing gear (purse seines, bottom trawls, gillnets, mid-water trawls and fishing lines) are measured at 12.69, 12.01, 15.35, 13.18 and 14 centimeters, respectively. According to their sex, the minimum mean total length and weight were measured for a purse seine at 13.34 cm and 20 g for females, 13.33 cm and 19.73 g for males. Minimum legal landing size (MLLS) is 13 cm and the ratios of under 13 cm for purse seines, bottom trawls, gillnets, mid-water trawls and fishing lines were measured at 60.79%, 65.04%, 9.66%, 39.14% and 20.42%, respectively. The bottom trawl and purse seine were more capable than other fishing gear in catching juvenile fish.