Selectivity of monofilament gillnets with different mesh sizes used in fishing of pearl mullet, (Alburnus tarichi (Güldenstädt, 1814)) in Lake Van

This study was carried out between September 2020 and March 2021 to determine the selectivity of monofilament gillnets used in pearl mullet, Alburnus tarichi (Güldenstädt, 1814), fishing in Lake Van. The SELECT method was applied to determine the selectivity. The best model for the selectivity of monofilament gillnets used in pearl mullet fishing was determined as the log-normal model. The optimum catch lengths of monofilament gillnets with 20, 22 and 24 mm mesh sizes were calculated as 21.69 cm, 23.84 cm and 26.01 cm, respectively. Catch per unit effort was determined as 10.03 kg/90 m/day at 20 mm, 15.91 kg/90 m/day at 22 mm and 12.99 kg/90 m/day at 24 mm. The average catch per unit effort was determined as 151 unit/90 m/day at 20 mm, 151 unit/90 m/day at 22 mm, and 110 unit/90 m/day at 24 mm. According to the results of optimum catch length and daily average catch per unit effort, using monofilament gillnets with 22 mm mesh size was more convenient for sustainable pearl mullet fishing in Lake Van.