Development of the Project IDA-ALA (Conservation of the native trout species of Kazda?? (Ida) assessment of opportunities for promoting the rural development by way of recreational angling tourism.
Main goal: Help conservation of the native trout species, which is an important asset of Kazda?? (Ida), thus help contribute the conservation of the biodiversity, promote sustainable rural development in the region by developing the region?s recreational angling tourism capacity, which is one of the main features of eco-tourism.
Target of the study: Prepare a project proposal aiming the conservation of the native trout species and development of the region?s recreational angling tourism capacity.
Trout (Salmo trutta sp.) have charmed people all over the World throughout history with its characteristics, pristine habitats, varying beautiful features and exceptional angling pleasure. Being a top valued angling species, trout is also a value for most economies with its increasingly popular recreational fishing tourism opportunities. Catch and Release angling, which has been spreading all over the World, is the key to recreational fishing tourism, conservation activities and sustainable fishing. In many conservation areas, catch and release fishing has proven an important activity that supports local economy and sustainability of the resources. Many countries have been benefitting from their trout waters by promoting recreational trout fishing tourism and improve the conservation of the trout population.
Turkey is home to several trout species, including the endemic ones, so the country has a significant potential for recreational tourism. Trout is locally threathened and habitats are under pressures of water shortage, pollution and over-fishing. This is also valid for the trout in Ida Mountain.
Kaz (Ida) Mountain is one of several natural beauties in Turkey. In the area, the streams hold native trout species (salmo trutta macrostigma). The area is already appreciated with its natural features; however, native trout of the region seems to be ignored.
This (project development) study aims to prepare a project to provide conservation of the trout population, assess and improve the recreational trout angling tourism potential that Ida Mountain inherits. In the study, the project activities for such an assessment will be identified.
In the project development study, following steps will be covered:
Compilation and update of the existing information, research results about trout in Turkey and in the Kazda?? (Ida).
Communication with the central and local authorities and assess the status of the trout in the region
Field studies on the state of the waters and the fish
Communication with the locals (local people, business, authorities, conservation groups, fisher people)
Inform the stakeholders on the importance of trout for the region, opportunities for conservation and sustainable recreational tourism
Gather opinions of all stakeholders on the situation and options for improvement
Assessment of the information acquired, reporting of the results and preparation of the main project