Socio-economic analysis of kilka fisheries in the southern waters of the Caspian Sea (Iranian waters)

Socio-economic data of kilka fisheries in the south part of the Caspian Sea were collected using questionnaire form, which consisted of different variables related to the fishing activity to evaluate its socio-economic performance. The cost , livelihoods, employment and profitability, level of investments, debts, subsidies, activity levels, demographic and ownership structures data were employed and assessed. The result of the analysis showed that 80% of the vessel owners were active in fishing operations in Mazandaran Province. This figure was 90% for the segment 12-18 LOA and 40% for the segment 18-24 LOA of Gilan Province. The survey also showed lower revenue and higher costs for the vessels that owner present onboard of the vessel during fishing operation. According to the analysis, 377.4 crew were engaged onboard of all the vessel segments in both Provinces. Mean number of crew engaged on the board of each fishing vessel was 5.1 individuals. The number of different individuals engaged on kilka fisheries in both Provinces were calculated 480 .The average working hours per crew for the kilka fleets in the southern Caspian Sea were calculated 1212.1 hours per year. The activity level (days at sea) for Mazandaran fleet was estimated 5485.8 days, which were higher than Gilan fleets. Daily duration of fishing trip for whole kilka fisheries was calculated 16.5 hours per day. Total yearly duration of fishing trip for whole fleets under study (2017) was 144108 hours. Personel costs were contributed 64% of total variable costs of kilka fleets, the lowest portion of the operational costs were belonged to energy cost . Whole kilka fleet in the Caspian Sea consumed total of 2.6 Million liters of fuel and oil in 2017. Each $US in 2017= 3885 Tomans (each Toman=10 Rials, Iranian currency).