Citizens Participated in Marine Science Research in Fethiye

The events organized within the project supported by the European Union Horizon Europe Program were realized in cooperation with the Mediterranean Conservation Society, Dokuz Eylül University Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Fethiye Ecological Life Association (FETDER), and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

At the events, researchers, teachers, students, volunteers, and local stakeholders came together to participate in practical studies aimed at monitoring marine ecosystems.

At the introductory meeting held on the first day of the program, the citizen science approach, marine biodiversity monitoring activities, and the goals of the DiverSea Project were shared with the participants. The importance of the local community's role in scientific research and voluntary contributions to nature conservation efforts was emphasized at the meeting.

On the second day of the event, participants joined field studies by boat in the open waters of Fethiye and Göcek. Under the guidance of scientists, water clarity measurements, plankton and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, and marine observations were conducted. Participants directly supported scientific studies aimed at marine conservation by experiencing sampling processes on site.

Meanwhile, on June 28, a bird and seashell observation activity will be held in the Çalış Bird Paradise and coastal ecosystems as part of the project. It was stated that citizens wishing to participate can gather at Ördek Island.

The project team pointed out that the protection of the seas is a shared responsibility not only of scientists but of all segments of society, and expressed that citizen science is an important method that brings together local knowledge and scientific research.

It was stated that the events held contributed to raising awareness about marine conservation efforts in Fethiye and establishing a strong bond between science and society.