Karadeniz'deki mahmuzlu köpek balığı popülasyonundaki düşüşün nedenleri ve etkilerine ilişkin paydaş görüşleri

This study investigated the dramatic decline of piked dogfish (Squalus acanthias) populations in the Black Sea by incorporating both ecological data and stakeholder viewpoints. Historically abundant and commercially targeted, especially in Türkiye’s Sinop region, piked dogfish populations have sharply declined due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and regulatory gaps across riparian countries. Despite a national fishing ban in Türkiye since 2015, inconsistent conservation measures among Black Sea countries have hindered effective recovery. Focus group discussions with fishers, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and fisheries officials revealed broad support for continuing the fishing ban. The key concerns included ecological imbalances caused by the species’ decline, disrupted migratory routes, and adverse effects of advanced fishing technologies. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of documenting bycatch, establishing protected marine areas, and regionally harmonizing regulations.