Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Thalassas, cilt.42, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
European catfish Silurus glanis, an apex predator fish species in the freshwaters has not been comprehensively studied within reservoir fisheries in Türkiye reservoirs, despite indications of declining catch rates. This study assessed catch per unit effort and the landing size of this species using fyke nets, longlines and gillnets were determined by observations from commercial fishermen in the Demirköprü Reservoir of Western Anatolia, Türkiye. A total of 53 fishing operations were conducted between December 2015 and November 2016 in the landing points and onboard fishing boats. The highest catch per unit efforts (CPUE) by weight of European catfish was in the fyke nets sampling from all fishing operations. The lowest CPUE was obtained in the gillnets. The total length and weight of individuals ranged from 28.0 cm to 159.5 cm and 466 g to 30000 g, respectively. A significant proportion of individuals with 98.7% in fyke nets sampling and 95.8% in fyke nets, 99.4% in longlines and 97.0% in gillnets were below the minimum landing size of 90 cm. The highest European catfish catch per unit effort and total CPUE were determined in the fyke net (sampling). The European catfish CPUE and total CPUE of fyke net (sampling) higher than fyke net landing. Longlines showed high CPUE values. This study provides the first and striking findings of the fishing pressure on European catfish in the Demirköprü Reservoir in Türkiye, indicates a high exploitation pressure exerted on the species. Considering the declines in catch amounts of this species, which is recognized as invasive yet also of commercial value, detailed monitoring studies should be conducted to ensure stock management of its fisheries in other resources across reservoirs in Türkiye.