Paper Title
DEVELOPMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES REGARDING THE MUCILAGE (SEA SALIVA) PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED BY COMMERCIAL SEA FISHING

Abstract
Today, when many changes occur in marine ecosystems, the risks faced by businesses engaged in commercial fishing at sea have increased due to technological factors, especially climate change, and many market-related stress factors. For successful commercial fishing, it has become imperative for these businesses to systematically identify the risks encountered and follow appropriate risk strategies to deal with such risks. One of the most critical risks faced in the Marmara Sea today is the biologically derived mucilage problem. Identifying mucilage-related risks, determining evaluation opportunities, and developing a risk plan is essential. For this reason, this research aimed to determine mucilage-related risks and develop risk management strategies for fishermen engaged in commercial fishing in the Marmara Sea. Research data were obtained through surveys from 146 fishing enterprises operating in the Marmara Sea, where the mucilage problem is observed, and individual interviews with other sector stakeholders. Fishermen's attitudes towards risk were determined by reference gambling. Commercial fishermen's awareness level about mucilage-related risks and the current strategies they follow for these risks were determined based on survey data and observations. Relative frequency approach and Bayesian analysis were used to identify mucilage-related risks and opportunities. By bringing together the opinions of commercial fishermen, other sector stakeholders, and experts, the Delphi method was also used to define mucilage-related risks, measure the risks, and reveal the impact of the risk. In preparing the risk management plan, social network and scenario analysis were used to review the data obtained from the focus group meeting. According to the findings, 61% of the businesses were in the risk-averse group, while 39% were in the risk-taking group. Although fishermen's risk awareness levels are good, they need help taking precautions due to increased costs. During periods when risk arises, their hunting time decreases, or they cannot hunt. Several measures can be taken to mitigate financial damage, such as strengthening equipment, creating hunting opportunities in different regions when the risk is high, integrating the insurance system, and eliminating the loss of income through support payments. Keywords - Fishing, Mucilage, Risk Plan, Marmara, Türkiye