Identification of Structural and Operational Characteristics of Deep Water Cast Nets Used for Whiting along the Turkish Coast of the Black Sea

In this study, it was aimed to define the structural and operational characteristics of traditional deep water cast nets used for whiting fishing off the Turkish coast in the Black Sea. The studies were carried out in two stages; 1) field operations and 2) face to face interviews with fishermen who are using deep water cast nets to catch whiting. Deep water cast nets are widely used for whiting fishing in small scale fisheries in the Black Sea. Deep water cast nets are released from the boat into the sea and sunk down to bottom with spread out like a parachute. Deep water cast nets are structured as follows; netting, sinker line, sinker, brail lines, horn, swivel and pulling cord. The operation of a cast net requires considerably high knowledge and skills of the fishermen. So, every stage of fishing operation is important in terms of catch efficiency and operational success. The main factors of successful operations are the type of bottom, depth, state of the sea, wind and deep currents. The operation stages are examined as follows; pre-operation, getting rid of curling and hurling, state of the first contact with water surface and downward move into the water column, reaching to the bottom and capture of the fish, hauling, opening procedure on the vessel, taking the fish and as final preparation of the for the next operation.