The protracted maritime jurisdictional disputes in Türkiye's EEZ in the Eastern Mediterranean have perpetuated economic disparities and engendered lacunae in fisheries management that could undermine marine biodiversity and regional collaboration efforts. This study interrogates the extent and frequency of extraterritorial fishing operations within the contiguous zone of Türkiye's territorial waters, with a particular emphasis on the years 2013 through 2023. Utilizing data acquired from Global Fishing Watch, the analysis delineates the monthly average fishing hours engaged by different gear types-namely small scale, trawl, undefined, and purse seine-across various neighboring countries, including Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Libya, and Morocco. Findings reveal a persistent increase in fishing activities within these contentious waters over the observed period, reflecting a rise in the deployment of ship-tracking systems, which have potentially inflated reported fishing hours. This surge underscores the urgent need for comprehensive fisheries management strategies that harmonize economic pursuits with the preservation of delicate marine ecosystems. The study's methodology involved analyzing vessel movements via Marine Traffic and Global Fishing Watch data, assessing parameters such as fishing areas, periods, methods, and national affiliations. The results, illustrated in Tables and Figures without direct citation due to the aggregative nature of the data, show varied patterns of fishing activities. The significant increase in Türkiye's trawl fishing hours in 2022, peaking at 857.29 hours, underscores the intensification of certain fishing practices in the region. The need for resolving international disputes is pivotal for establishing effective fisheries management in the Eastern Mediterranean. The findings advocate for enhanced diplomatic endeavors and cooperative governance among littoral nations, supported by international entities to ensure sustainable exploitation of marine resources and to bridge management gaps illuminated by this decade-long empirical inquiry.
