Environmental Influences on the Spatio-Temporal Distribution of European Hake (Merluccius merluccius) in Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea

In Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea, the influence of abiotic environmental factors besides depth and fishing pressure on the spatio-temporal distribution of European hake, Merluccius merluccius L. 1758, abundance were analysed using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), with the Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) as the response -dependent variable and a Geographic Information System (GIS) software -based approach to display relationships. Data were collected on a monthly basis from 2007-2009 using a conventional bottom trawl net in Izmir Bay.