An International Scientific Contribution to Black Sea Fisheries from Our University

A book compiling the 36 activities carried out during the 2024–2025 period by the BlackSea4Fish Programme—coordinated by Prof. Dr Hüseyin Özbilgin, Head of the Department of Fishing and Processing Technology at our University’s Faculty of Aquatic Sciences—and the achievements attained has been published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

The publication, entitled ‘BlackSea4Fish – Activities and Achievements 2024–2025’, covers: covers a wide range of activities, including the assessment of fish stocks, scientific research and marine surveys, small-scale and recreational fishing, monitoring and control systems, the reduction of by-catch and non-target catches, the conservation of vulnerable species, the development of selective fishing gear, socio-economic research, education and regional cooperation. By presenting these activities under the five key outputs of BlackSea4Fish, the book highlights the concrete results of two years’ work aimed at strengthening scientific and technical capacity in the Black Sea countries.

BlackSea4Fish has been running since 2016 as one of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean’s (GFCM) capacity-building programmes for the Black Sea; The programme aims to develop scientific and technical expertise in Black Sea countries, promote the adoption of common scientific methods across these countries, and strengthen scientific advice for sustainable fisheries management.

Furthermore, the programme contributes to the implementation of the GFCM’s 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, and is carried out with primary financial support from the European Union and contributions from various international projects and partners. The fact that the programme is coordinated by Prof. Dr Hüseyin Özbilgin, a member of the academic staff at our University’s Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, makes a significant contribution to the transfer of our University’s knowledge and experience in the field of fisheries sciences to scientific research and sustainable fisheries management at the Black Sea level under the auspices of the FAO and the GFCM.

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