NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF CARTILAGINOUS FISHES IN THE TURKISH WATER OF THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA

National action plan for the conservation of cartilaginous fishes in the Turkish water of the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Bayram Öztürk

Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, TURKEY
Turkish Marine Research Foundation, P.O. Box 10, Beykoz, Istanbul, TURKEY

Abstract

National action plan for the conservation of cartilaginous fishes in the Turkish water of the eastern Mediterranean Sea is discussed. Four main threats for the cartilaginous species are listed, as bycatch in trawl, trammel nets and purse seines, unreported and unregulated fishing, marine pollution and habitat loss. Some action plans are proposed for the conservation of the cartilaginous species in the area.

Keywords: Turkey, National Action Plan, cartilaginous fishes, eastern Mediterranean Sea, threats, conservation