A story from Gokova Bay, Turkey, prepared in collaboration with the Mediterranean Conservation Society (MCS) for the observance of the 2021 edition of International Women’s Day
Fisherwomen in Turkey have thrown nets at sea for centuries. Traditional fishing bears witness to the harmonious relationship that can bond humans with nature. But nowadays the traditional brand of catching fish for a living must reckon with multiple threats: illegal and mass fishing practices, the increasingly conspicuous presence of non-indigenous species and other, ever more perceptible effects of climate change.
Fisherwomen also face other issues related to gender roles aboard fishing boats. In a profession still widely dominated by men, female crew members have long been legion, and women captains few and far between. Women’s calls for gender equality are finally bringing about a sea change in the traditional fishing business.
Gulsiye Olmez, a fisherwoman from Akbuk in Gokova Bay, a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Turkey, is the captain of her own boat. Ms. Olmez has been fishing in Gokova Bay since 1982 and learned the craft from her husband. Three decades ago, the pair chose to fish together and never looked back. "Gathering fishing nets in stormy weather and safely mooring the boat requires both strength and experience. Passing the necessary test and receiving a captain’s license is only one part of the equation. Practical experience is what makes a good captain", Ms. Olmez explains. Another important factor is the captain’s familiarity and understanding of the geography. "Back in the day we had a smaller boat. At times we would be out fishing for two to three days straight".
Born and raised in Gokova Bay, Gulsiye Olmez witnessed first-hand how the marine environment and fish populations changed over the years. Illegal and mass fishing practices reduced fish populations and damaged the biodiversity of the region.
Ms. Olmez believes that establishing No Fishing Zones will reverse this trend, improve fish populations and the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities. She believes that this can only be achieved through active management systems, such as the Mediterranean Conservation Society’s Marine Ranger Service System implemented in Gokova Bay, which tracks and stops illegal practices.
The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a blow to her income due to lower market prices and rigid operating costs, but she remains optimistic: "the sea has the power to cure anything".
"Leaving the world’s troubles on shore, listening to the wind, and celebrating the catch", Ms. Olmez says, is "my sanctuary". *"Being a woman is hard, but being a fisherwoman makes life easier. Despite the physical challenges of this occupation, I think every woman should try it to make their life more beautiful", the Captain observes.
Lessons from the Gokova Bay MPA
Gokova Bay, with a territorial area of 270 km² and sea area of 827 km², was declared a Special Environmental Protection Area (SEPA) in 1988, with 28 km² of this area accepted as a No Fishing Zone. Gokova Bay and its variety of marine habitats are home to the endemic sea grass Posidonia oceanica, and endangered species such as the grouper Epinephelus marginatus, the sand shark Carcharhinus plumbeus, and the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus. Mediterranean Conservation Society (MCS), with the support of local public institutions, has been implementing its Marine Ranger System (MRS) since 2013 to inspect and monitor illegal fishing activities in the No Fishing Zones (NFZs) in Gokova Bay. MRS and the other marine conservation projects implemented by MCS have contributed to restore the marine ecosystems in Gokova Bay. As a result, fish biomass in the NFZs increased 10fold when compared to unprotected areas. Furthermore, according to the data from Akyaka Fisheries Cooperative, since the establishment of NFZs in 2010, the incomes of fishers increased by 400 per cent. Building on the success and experience gained through the Gokova Bay programme, MCS is now implementing an Endangered Landscapes Progamme in four MPAs in Turkey, in collaboration with Fauna & Flora International and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, and Ministry of Interior of Turkey.
Photos: ©SPA/RAC, Artemisia Bodrum
Author: ©SPA/RAC, Esra Kartal-MCS
Translation: İpek Yılmaz, Yasemin Ulusoy