Trends in the abundance of demersal species in the southern Aegean Sea

The present work identifies trends in the abundance of the main demersal species of the South Aegean Sea utilising catch and effort data derived from an international Mediterranean bottom trawl survey (MEDITS). The experimental surveys were accomplished annually from 1994 to 2000 on 61 pre-defined sampling stations. Selection of stations was based on a depth-stratified random sampling scheme that included five depth strata: 10-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-500 and 500-800 m. The results suggest the existence of a general increasing trend in the biomass of the demersal species, particularly at the 10-50 m and 500-800 m depth strata. Findings are discussed in relation to the fisheries exploitation pattern and productivity of the area.