EN
TR
Effect of twine thickness on size selectivity and catch efficiency of gillnets used in Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) fisheries
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of twine thickness and mesh size on the size selectivity and catch efficiency of gillnets used to control the invasive Prussian carp, Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) population in the Karakaya Dam Lake, Türkiye. A total of 1.675 individuals ranging from 17.0 to 31.2 cm in length were captured. Among the tested configurations, the gillnet with 84 mm mesh size and 0.23 mm twine thickness demonstrated the highest catch efficiency, accounting for 50.4% of the total catch, whereas the 76 mm mesh with 0.18 mm twine yielded only 17.9%. Statistical analysis confirmed that mesh size significantly influenced the average length of captured fish (p < 0.05), with larger mesh sizes capturing longer individuals. Seasonal variation was notable, with peak catches observed in December (375 specimens) and January (316 specimens), aligning with the winter schooling behaviour of the species that enhances catchability. The SELECT method was used to model size selectivity, and the lognormal model provided the best fit across all twine thicknesses. Modal lengths of 20.59 cm (0.23 mm), 20.97 cm (0.20 mm), and 21.64 cm (0.18 mm) were estimated, indicating minimal variation due to twine thickness. Although twine thickness did not significantly affect selectivity, it enhanced catch efficiency, particularly for larger individuals. These findings suggest that gillnets with thicker twine and larger mesh sizes are more effective for managing C. gibelio populations, especially during winter months. Moreover, the use of durable gear contributes to reduced gear loss and increased operational lifespan, supporting the socioeconomic sustainability of local fisheries. This research provides a scientific foundation for developing seasonally optimized and gear-specific strategies for managing invasive species in Turkish inland waters.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Fırat University Scientific Research Project No: SÜF.23.03
Project Number
SÜF.23.03
Ethical Statement
No specific ethical approval was necessary for the study.
Thanks
This study is based on part of the third author's master's thesis “Investigation of extension gillnet properties for put under pressure of invasive Carassius gibelio species in Karakaya Dam Lake”. This study was supported by the Fırat University Scientific Research Project SÜF.23.03
References
- Ateşşahin, T., & Dürrani, Ö. (2023). Effects of hook size and bait type on the size selectivity and short-time post-release mortality of a cyprinid fish (Cyprinus carpio L.) in recreational fisheries. Fisheries Research, 261, 106640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2023.106640
- Ayaz, A., Altinagac, U., Ozekinci, U., Ozen, O., Altin, A., & Ismen, A. (2011). Effect of twine thickness on selectivity of gillnets for bogue, Boops boops, in Turkish waters. Mediterranean Marine Science, 12(2), 358–368.
- Aydın, E. (2021). İstilacı Gümüşi Havuz Baliğinin (Carassius gibelio Bloch, 1782) Sakarya İlindeki İçsu Balıkçılığına Etkisinin Araştırılması. Doctoral dissertation, Atatürk Üniversitesi. Türkiye.
- Aydın, C., Cilbiz, M., İlhan, A., & Sari, H.M. (2018). Gillnet and trammel net selectivity for Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) in Marmara Lake, (Turkey). Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 35, 79–87. https://doi.org/10.12714/egejfas.2018.35.1.13
- Balık, I., Özkök, R., Çubuk, H., & Uysal, R. (2004). Investigation of some biological characteristics of the silver crucian carp, Carassius gibelio (Bloch 1782) population in Lake Eǧirdir. Turkish Journal of Zoology, 28(1), 19–28.
- Brinkhof, I., Herrmann, B., Larsen, R. B., Brinkhof, J., Grimaldo, E., & Vollstad, J. (2023). Effect of gillnet twine thickness on capture pattern and efficiency in the Northeast-Arctic cod (Gadus morhua) fishery. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 191, 114927. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114927
- Cerbule, K., Herrmann, B., Grimaldo, E., Grimsmo, L., & Vollstad, J. (2021). The effect of white and green LED-lights on the catch efficiency of the Barents Sea snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) pot fishery. Plos One, 16(10), e0258272. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258272
- Cilbiz, M., & Ateşşahin, T. (2024). An overview of gillnet and trammel net size selectivity in the Turkish inland fisheries. Aquatic Sciences and Engineering, 39(3), 189–199. https://doi.org/10.26650/ASE20231388644
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Freshwater Ecology, Post-Harvest Fisheries Technologies (Incl. Transportation), Fisheries Management
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
February 18, 2026
Submission Date
November 25, 2025
Acceptance Date
December 23, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 43 Number: 1
APA
Ateşşahin, T., Cilbiz, M., & İlhan, M. (2026). Effect of twine thickness on size selectivity and catch efficiency of gillnets used in Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) fisheries. Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 43(1), 29-40. https://doi.org/10.12714/egejfas.43.1.04
AMA
1.Ateşşahin T, Cilbiz M, İlhan M. Effect of twine thickness on size selectivity and catch efficiency of gillnets used in Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) fisheries. EgeJFAS. 2026;43(1):29-40. doi:10.12714/egejfas.43.1.04
Chicago
Ateşşahin, Tuncay, Mehmet Cilbiz, and Mahmut İlhan. 2026. “Effect of Twine Thickness on Size Selectivity and Catch Efficiency of Gillnets Used in Prussian Carp (Carassius Gibelio) Fisheries”. Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 43 (1): 29-40. https://doi.org/10.12714/egejfas.43.1.04.
EndNote
Ateşşahin T, Cilbiz M, İlhan M (February 1, 2026) Effect of twine thickness on size selectivity and catch efficiency of gillnets used in Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) fisheries. Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 43 1 29–40.
IEEE
[1]T. Ateşşahin, M. Cilbiz, and M. İlhan, “Effect of twine thickness on size selectivity and catch efficiency of gillnets used in Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) fisheries”, EgeJFAS, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 29–40, Feb. 2026, doi: 10.12714/egejfas.43.1.04.
ISNAD
Ateşşahin, Tuncay - Cilbiz, Mehmet - İlhan, Mahmut. “Effect of Twine Thickness on Size Selectivity and Catch Efficiency of Gillnets Used in Prussian Carp (Carassius Gibelio) Fisheries”. Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 43/1 (February 1, 2026): 29-40. https://doi.org/10.12714/egejfas.43.1.04.
JAMA
1.Ateşşahin T, Cilbiz M, İlhan M. Effect of twine thickness on size selectivity and catch efficiency of gillnets used in Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) fisheries. EgeJFAS. 2026;43:29–40.
MLA
Ateşşahin, Tuncay, et al. “Effect of Twine Thickness on Size Selectivity and Catch Efficiency of Gillnets Used in Prussian Carp (Carassius Gibelio) Fisheries”. Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, vol. 43, no. 1, Feb. 2026, pp. 29-40, doi:10.12714/egejfas.43.1.04.
Vancouver
1.Tuncay Ateşşahin, Mehmet Cilbiz, Mahmut İlhan. Effect of twine thickness on size selectivity and catch efficiency of gillnets used in Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) fisheries. EgeJFAS. 2026 Feb. 1;43(1):29-40. doi:10.12714/egejfas.43.1.04