The Central Fisheries Research Institute (SUMAE) is conducting a comprehensive Scientific Beam Trawl Survey under the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) supported project titled “Monitoring, Data Collection on Rapa Whelk and Awareness Raising in Eastern Turkish Black Sea Fisheries.”
Over the course of 20 working days at sea, the expert team—comprising 7 crew members and 6 researchers—carried out 84 beam trawl hauls to assess the distribution and abundance of Rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) along Türkiye’s Black Sea coast.
🎯 Goal: Data-Driven Sustainability for a Key Commercial Species
The survey aims to generate scientific, long-term monitoring data to support sustainable management of Rapa whelk stocks—one of Türkiye’s important export-oriented marine species. Data will be analyzed using ROMEBS and BioIndex methods to calculate stock abundance indices.
🌊 Building on Strategic Monitoring Since 2020
This effort is part of a larger, ongoing monitoring initiative since 2020 that contributes to:
- Generating standardized datasets for Türkiye and the GFCM,
- Supporting the FAO Blue Transformation agenda,
- Producing reports aligned with the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF).
📊 Measurable Indicators of Impact
🔹 Scientific: Multi-year stock abundance data will provide a strong scientific basis for fisheries management in Türkiye and the wider Black Sea region.
🔹 Social: Involving local fishers enhances awareness and bridges the gap between scientific research and traditional knowledge.
🔹 Policy: Results will inform evidence-based management plans for Rapa whelk fisheries at national and regional levels.
🧬 SUMAE’s Commitment: Science-Based, Ecosystem-Driven Management
At SUMAE, we are committed to not only supporting production systems but also to safeguarding the future of marine ecosystems. With this project, we aim to integrate scientific monitoring, data-informed policy, and stakeholder engagement—for a more sustainable, inclusive, and effective fisheries governance model in the Black Sea.