Selectivity of multifilament trammel nets of different mesh sizes on the red mullet (Mullus barbatus L., 1758) in Western Mediterranean, Turkey

Three mesh sizes of multiflament trammel nets (22 mm, 24 mm, and 26 mm) were used in Finike bay for red mullet (Mullus barbatus L., 1758). The sampling program was arranged during February to May 2012. Holt (1963) method was used for selectivity of trammel nets. Red mullet was the dominant species in 22 mm mesh size at 52.86%, followed by 25.7% with the 24 mm net and 21.43% with the 26 mm net. On the basis of the results of this study, optimal selectivity lengths of multiflament trammel nets estimated for red mullet were 18.58, 20.27, and 21.96 cm for 22, 24, and 26 mm mesh size, respectively. Thus, based on length at first maturity it has been stated that the trammel nets of 22, 24, and 26 mm mesh size do not cause over fishing of the red mullet population in Finike Bay.