Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) contributes to the protection and sustainable use of shared aquatic ecosystems through European Union (EU)-supported projects. In particular, projects conducted under the Faculty of Marine Sciences focus on monitoring marine and freshwater ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, pollution control, and promoting sustainable fisheries practices. These efforts contribute to scientific data production as well as the joint management of aquatic ecosystems at both local and national levels.
Supported under the EU Interreg-NEXT Cross-Border Cooperation Program (2021–2027), the BlackNETs project has a duration of 18 months (start: June 27, 2024). Led by the Ecological Nongovernmental Organization Mare Nostrum (Romania), partner countries include Karadeniz Technical University – Faculty of Marine Sciences (Türkiye), the Institute of Oceanology – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Bulgaria), and LEPL Ilia State University (Georgia). The total project budget is €410,994.23, with 10% co-financed by partner countries. KTU’s total budget allocation is €128,485.00 (90% EU-funded and 10% KTU-funded). (More about BlackNETs)
The project addresses the ecological and socio-economic impacts of Abandoned, Lost, or Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) in the Black Sea, one of the most dangerous forms of marine litter. By assessing the scope and management strategies for ghost nets, BlackNETs seeks to reduce their harmful effects on marine habitats, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
The IASON+ Project (BSB00174), supported under Interreg-NEXT, continues the work of the earlier CBC-BSB IASON project (BSB-1121). With a 30-month duration, the project is coordinated by Romania with partners including the Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority (Romania), Democritus University of Thrace – Research Funds (Greece), KTU – Faculty of Marine Sciences (Türkiye), the Institute of Marine Biology – NAS of Ukraine, and the International Business and Economic Development Center (Georgia). The total budget is €1,396,112.00, with 10% co-financed by partners. KTU’s budget share is €244,319.52 (90% EU-funded, 10% KTU-funded). (More about IASON+)
IASON+ focuses on the impact of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) on Ecosystem Services (ES) in the Black Sea Basin, particularly in the Danube, Nestos, Kızılırmak, Çoruh, and Kolkheti deltas. IAS threaten native species and disrupt ecosystem balance, negatively affecting water purification, flood regulation, coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism. The project aims to improve IAS management and mitigation, enhance ecosystem resilience, and secure sustainable ES supply in deltaic regions.
The LitOUTer Project, completed in 2023, aimed to raise awareness among young people and children about marine litter reduction and Black Sea ecosystem conservation. The project contributed to community awareness and promoted sustainable marine practices. (LitOUTer official website)
