Standard Methods for Fish Sampling in Central Asia

The zoogeography of Central Asia is characterised by a high level of isolation because of the presence of mountain ridges, which represent an important barrier for freshwater fish dispersion. This is responsible for a high level of speciation and the presence of a relatively large number of native and endemic species. Turkey is a typical example of Central Asia in terms of standard fishing methods used across the region. Both passive and active fishing methods are common. Monofilament and multifilament gillnets and trammel nets with mesh size varying from 9 mm to 80 mm, beach seines, fyke and hoop nets are generally preferred by recreational and professional fishermen, with common carp Cyprinus carpio representing the most widely caught cyprinid fish. Conversely, although forbidden for commercial and amateur fishing, electrofishing and seine nets are used in streams and shallow lakes only for scientific purposes. Although different gears and methods are employed depending on the target species (i.e. gillnets for cyprinids, seine nets for pelagic fishes such as sandsmelt Atherina boyeri), selection of the appropriate gear depends on several factors including the purpose of the survey, type of habitat, gear efficiency and staffing requirements.