Karadeniz Technical University develops and supports a range of programs that combine education, research, public awareness, stakeholder collaboration, field-based activities, and institutional policies in order to promote good aquatic stewardship practices and ensure their long-term sustainability. Our University’s approach includes the responsible use of water resources, protection of marine and freshwater ecosystems, promotion of sustainable fisheries, reduction of marine pollution, action against ghost nets, and support for the active participation of local communities in the protection of aquatic ecosystems.
BlackNETs Project: Good Marine Stewardship and Action against Ghost Nets
One of the major good aquatic stewardship initiatives implemented by our University in 2025 is the BlackNETs Project. Implemented under the European Union Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, with KTU Faculty of Marine Sciences as a project partner, the project focuses on reducing the environmental pressures caused by abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear.
Within BlackNETs, direct conservation activities include identifying ghost nets, determining their distribution on the seafloor, mapping affected areas, and removing fishing gear from the marine environment where appropriate. The project also includes education, awareness-raising, cooperation with fishers, and the dissemination of sustainable fishing practices.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/denizbiltek/blacknets
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/denizbiltek/haber/blacknets-projesi-aralik-2025-basin-bulteni
Sustainable Fisheries and Environmental Stewardship Activities with Local Fishers
KTU Faculty of Marine Sciences works directly with local fishers, fisheries cooperatives, and coastal communities to develop and disseminate sustainable fishing practices.
These activities address topics such as sustainable fishing, marine litter, ghost nets, waste oils, plastic pollution, and the protection of marine ecosystems. In this way, the scientific knowledge and expertise of our University are transferred directly to local stakeholders who depend on aquatic resources.
This approach ensures that good aquatic stewardship practices do not remain limited to the academic sphere, but are also implemented and disseminated within the fisheries sector and coastal communities.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/sustainability/sustainable-fisheries-community-outreach
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/denizbiltek/haberler
Marine and Aquatic Ecosystem Education for Children and Young People
In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of good aquatic stewardship practices, our University also conducts education and awareness activities for children and young people.
On 29–30 April 2025, educational activities were organised through cooperation between the BlackNETs initiative “Let’s Save the Black Sea from Silent Killers” and the “Every School Should Have a Project (HOPO) – Children of the North Love Fish” programme.
Within the programme, students received education on:
Students also visited marine biology laboratories and practical training areas and participated in hands-on educational and environmental awareness activities.
Public Awareness of Marine Litter and Ghost Nets
In 2025, activities carried out through cooperation between the BlackNETs and LitOUTer projects informed students, teachers, and families about marine litter, abandoned fishing gear, and the protection of marine ecosystems.
Through these activities, public awareness was raised regarding the causes and consequences of marine pollution, while participants were encouraged to take an active role in environmentally responsible and sustainable aquatic stewardship practices.
Promoting Good Aquatic Stewardship through Research and Project Support
Our University also promotes good aquatic stewardship practices through scientific research and project support. Studies on sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, protection of aquatic ecosystems, and environmentally friendly production technologies are supported through Scientific Research Projects (BAP) as well as national and international funding mechanisms.
Our University’s relevant sustainability policies encourage practices such as:
These mechanisms constitute important components of the institutional support and incentive structure that helps ensure the continuity of good aquatic stewardship practices.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/dosyalar/surdurulebilirlik_bVELq.pdf
Karadeniz Technical University institutionally develops and implements programs that promote good aquatic stewardship practices and support their continuation in 2025. This approach is not limited to scientific research; it is implemented through institutional policies, scientific and financial project support, sustainable fisheries programs, cooperation with local fishers and fisheries cooperatives, educational activities for children and young people, ghost net removal activities, marine litter awareness programs, and national and international project partnerships.
