The Socio-Economic Structure of Lake Van Fishery

Abstract

The present study was conducted with 77 participants in the fishing ports of Lake Van which are located in Gevas, Dagonu, Edremit, Tatvan and citoren, between April-2016 and December-2017. A general evaluation related to trammel net fishermen in Lake Van district was done; accordingly, it was found out that 85% of them are from Van, while 15% of them are from Bitlis. The average number of crews for vessels was 2.34 +/- 0, 77, and the average for the age of fisherman was found out as 40,14 +/- 11, 37, respectively. The results of the education level items in the survey highlight that 62% of the fisherman graduated from primary school; 23% of them graduated from secondary school; 13% of them graduated from high school, and only 2% of them graduated from university. Regarding the marital status and their belongings, it was found out that 84% of the fishermen were found out to be married. By the time they were asked how they started this job, 29% of them claimed that they had a passion for lake, 26% of them preferred because of his father's occupation choices, and 45% of them preferred it because they were obligated to do this job. 55% of the participant fishermen pointed out that they wanted to give up this job, and 90% of them highlighted that they did not want their children to this job. According to the results, it was also found out that all of the fishermen had a second job. Particularly, when the season is closed, most of them work in building constructions as well as dealing with agriculture or animal husbandry. Last but not the least, the most important problems were identified as illegal fishing, gaining less money than expected with the fishery and the deficiency of port problems. Finally, this study is expected to shed light onto solutions of the abovementioned problems.