Our University carries out educational, awareness-raising, scientific knowledge-sharing, and applied activities for local and national communities on sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, the protection of marine and aquatic resources, reducing the environmental impacts of fishing activities, and the sustainable use of marine and coastal areas.
A significant proportion of these activities is carried out by our University’s Sürmene Faculty of Marine Sciences and the Department of Fisheries Technology Engineering, reaching different segments of society, including fishers, representatives of the aquaculture sector, public institutions, students, children, and young people. Our University’s institutional approach in this field is also specifically defined on its official sustainability platform under the heading “Sustainable Fisheries (Community Engagement)”. The page explicitly states that educational, seminar, and awareness-raising activities are organised in cooperation with local fishers and communities.
Evidence:
https://surdurulebilirlik.ktu.edu.tr/surdurulebilirlik/surdurulebilir-balikcilik-toplumla-iletisim
Community Awareness on Ghost Nets and Sustainable Fisheries
One of our University’s important community outreach activities in the field of sustainable fisheries is carried out within the scope of the BlackNETs Project. As part of the project, fishers were engaged at the Sürmene Balıklı Fishing Port to raise awareness of ghost nets and abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and their impacts on marine ecosystems, while field data were also collected.
These activities directly address local fishing communities and therefore strongly align with the objective of this indicator. Addressing issues such as the sustainable use of fishing gear, prevention of lost nets, and reduction of pressures on marine organisms together with fishers demonstrates that our University transfers scientific knowledge directly to local fishing communities.
Sustainable Fisheries Education for Children and Young People
In 2025, as part of a European Union project, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade students visited the Sürmene Faculty of Marine Sciences, where they received hands-on education on ghost nets, fish, the sustainable use of fishing nets, water footprint, and carbon footprint.
Academics from our University’s Department of Fisheries Technology Engineering also contributed to the training. This activity represents a direct example of community outreach, as scientific knowledge on sustainable fisheries and the protection of marine resources was transferred to young people outside the University. The event was also covered by local and national media, thereby extending its reach to a broader audience.
7th Türkiye Fisheries Seminars: Knowledge Exchange Between Academia, Industry and Society
Our University hosted the Trabzon stage of the 7th Türkiye Fisheries Seminars on 3–4 November 2025. Organised in cooperation with Aqua Life of Türkiye and our University, the event brought together sector representatives and academics to exchange knowledge on current developments and practices in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Such activities contribute to national-level knowledge transfer by bringing together academic expertise and sectoral experience in the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture.
Current and Sustainable Practices in Aquaculture
In 2025, our University’s Department of Fisheries Technology Engineering organised various knowledge-sharing and educational activities on aquaculture with the participation of sector representatives.
At the Career Day event held on 5 May 2025, a representative of Vadi Aquaculture R&D Services, Tourism and Feed Industry Trade Ltd. Co. addressed topics including broodstock management, hatchery practices, aquaculture legislation, sectoral development, future expectations, and private-sector practices.
In addition, on 12 May 2025, an event entitled “Vaccination and Grading in the Aquaculture Sector” was organised, during which experts with sectoral experience discussed aquaculture production processes and industry practices.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/baltekmuh/etkinlik/su-urunleri-sektorunde-asilama-ve-boylama
Applied Field Training in Aquaculture
Our University also places importance on supporting theoretical education with field-based practice. In 2025, within the scope of the “Fisheries Management and Organisation” course, a technical visit was carried out to a fish farm in Maçka, where the facility’s production and management processes were examined on site.
This activity enabled the practical evaluation of knowledge related to aquaculture management, production infrastructure, and operational processes in a real production environment.
Sustainable Stocking and Knowledge Sharing with Public Institutions
Our University’s academics also contribute to national decision-making and advisory mechanisms related to sustainable fisheries and aquatic resource management. In 2025, Prof. Dr. Nadir BaÅŸçınar, a faculty member of the Sürmene Faculty of Marine Sciences, participated in the Scientific and Advisory Committee Meeting on Fish Stocking, organised in Ankara by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
This contribution supports the transfer of academic knowledge to national public policy processes for the conservation of aquatic resources, enhancement of fish stocks, and scientifically based management of fish stocking practices.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/baltekmuh/haberler
In addition, in 2025, a community awareness activity with a focus on zero waste and clean seas was held in Yomra, during which the importance of protecting marine and coastal ecosystems was communicated to the public.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/baltekmuh/haber/yomrada-sifir-atik-ve-temiz-denizler-icin-ornek-etkinlik-w
Our University provides educational and community outreach activities for local and national communities on sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources.
