The Faculty of Marine Sciences at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) conducts direct fieldwork focused on the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity. Through EU-supported projects, the faculty carries out scientific research on monitoring marine and coastal ecosystems, documenting species diversity, and implementing conservation measures. These efforts contribute to the sustainability of ecosystem health while increasing biodiversity awareness at both local and national levels.
Awareness-raising activities continue within the scope of the LitOUTer Project (BSB-785), completed in 2023. These events, designed for young people and children, aim to protect the Black Sea ecosystem, reduce marine litter, and strengthen societal awareness.
Within this framework, an awareness training session was held at the 88th Year Republic Anatolian High School as part of a project conducted 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 addressed 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)
As part of the BlackNETs project, awareness activities are organized on the harmful impacts of ghost nets and abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. These events aim to spread the project’s awareness message to broader audiences while promoting the reduction of ghost nets.
On December 17, 2024, a seminar organized by the Trabzon Association for the Protection of Natural and Historical Values (DOĞA-TARİH) brought together a group of 30 participants, including academics, administrators, public officials, engineers, architects, educators, and other experts, for knowledge sharing and solution-oriented discussions. On December 20, 2024, an awareness session was held at the 88th Year Republic Anatolian High School with the participation of 142 students, who learned about ghost nets, destructive fishing, and their impacts on marine biodiversity through photos, videos, and briefing materials.
