The Faculty of Marine Sciences at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) organizes various activities and projects on the protection and sustainable use of the seas. Through EU-supported projects, the faculty ensures the monitoring of marine ecosystems, the promotion of sustainable fishing practices, and the implementation of educational programs shared with the community. These activities contribute to both academic knowledge production and the protection of marine resources at local and national levels.
At the Sürmene Balıklı Fishermen’s Shelter, a survey was conducted to raise awareness and collect data on ghost nets and abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). The event was led by Prof. Dr. Fatma Telli Karakoç and Prof. Dr. Coşkun Erüz, with contributions from Prof. Dr. Hacer Sağlam, Dr. Neira Purwanty Ismail, and graduate student Melike Tüysüz.
During the event, one-on-one interviews were held with 20 fishermen. Participants showed great interest in the negative effects of ghost nets and marine litter on marine ecosystems, asking questions and making suggestions. The fishermen strongly supported the survey, and many expressed their willingness to help remove ghost nets from the sea. (News link)
Stakeholders of the “Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea (DOORS)” project, supported by the European Union, gathered at KTU for the 3rd General Assembly Meeting, with participation from many representatives from both Europe and Türkiye.
The meeting, aimed at addressing the impacts of human activity and climate change on the Black Sea ecosystem, took place at the KTU Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Culture and Congress Center. Over three days, discussions focused on the impacts of climate change on the Black Sea and on ports in Trabzon (Yoroz), Rize (Fındıklı), and Artvin (Hopa).
In the opening session, KTU Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı began his speech by warmly welcoming the DOORS family and guests. He provided general information about the university’s history and student numbers, emphasizing the importance of the DOORS Project. Prof. Dr. Çuvalcı highlighted that the Black Sea region faces growing challenges in managing its marine ecosystem, including overfishing, pollution, climate change, and habitat degradation, all of which pose serious threats to the sea’s health. He underlined that regional security and stability are more important than ever and stressed the significance of sustainable resource management and peace for the project’s success.
Rector Çuvalcı also expressed his satisfaction with inter-university collaboration and reiterated the ambitious nature of the DOORS Project in addressing these critical issues. (News link)
Awareness activities continue within the scope of the LitOUTer Project (BSB-785). Designed for young people and children, these activities aim to protect the Black Sea ecosystem, reduce marine litter, and strengthen societal awareness.
Within this framework, an awareness training event was held at the 88th Year Republic Anatolian High School as part of a project run by KTU’s Faculty of Marine Sciences. The program began with a comprehensive presentation by Prof. Dr. Fatma Telli Karakoç on the sources, impacts, and solutions of marine litter. Then, Prof. Dr. Coşkun Erüz discussed the threats posed by ghost fishing nets to the marine ecosystem. The program also included contributions from Prof. Dr. Hacer Sağlam, Dr. Neira Purwanty Ismail, and graduate student Melike Tüysüz. (News link)
