In the last few days of the SEAL project , we got hands-on with a boat-building workshop in Sinop, creating a small traditional boat together - a fun way to connect with local culture and skills . We also explored some beautiful natural spots , visiting Park Akliman , Park Yıldız Tesieri , and the stunning Erfelek Tatlıca Falls - moments of relaxation and awe after weeks of hard work. To close the journey, we gathered for a final meeting to evaluate the project. We shar

On July 25th, we opened our public art exhibition by the beautiful seaside of Sinop. It lasted three nights, bringing together art , awareness , and community . Through our work, we showed how pollution in the Black Sea has changed - from a cleaner past, to a plastic-filled present , and a possible future where marine life is replaced by trash if we don't take action. 🐚♻️ All the artworks were made using materials we found during the project - proof of how much waste en

This week was all about creativity and connection . During the day, we started working on our art pieces for the final exhibition , using materials we collected during the beach and underwater cleanups. It was great to see how trash could turn into something meaningful . 🌈♻️ In the evenings, we came together for cultural nights , where volunteers cooked and shared traditional dishes and dances from their countries. It was a fun and delicious way to learn more about each

This week, we completed our last beach cleanup at Kurtkuyusu , marking the end of our shoreline efforts - and a clearer coast to show for it! 🌊 We also spent time exploring local initiatives that care for the planet and its creatures. At Deydaa Ekoloji Kampi in Gerze, we learned about sustainable living and eco-community practicies. ♻️ Our visit to the Kadın Üretim ve İşletme Kooperatifi gave us a taste of Turkish culture - literally! We learned how to make mantı (a

This week, we took the SEAL project below the surface once again - this time with dives in Liman , the sides of Sinop's harbor . Diving in such a busy area showed us just how much waste ends up where boats, people, and marine life all meet. Every item we brought up was a reminder of why we are here. 💫♻️ What made it even more special was the interest from the local com munity . Many people stopped by, curious about what we were doing and why. Some of us even gave intervi

In our first hands-on week of the SEAL project, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work!

The second edition of the SEAL project is officially underway!

Yelkouan Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan) Distribution and migration to the Black Sea Breeding Range : The Yelkouan Shearwater breeds in the central and eastern Mediterranean, including regions such as southern France, Italy, Malta, Greece, Croatia, Albania, and Tunisia. The species is also believed to breed in Turkey, though no confirmed colonies have been identified . Migration Patterns : After the breeding season, many individuals migrate to the Black Sea, passing through th

Zostera marina Distribution in the Black Sea Zostera marina is predominantly found along the north-western coast and the Crimean Peninsula, including areas like Sevastopol Bay. These meadows typically grow in sheltered environments with sandy or sandy-muddy substrates, at depths ranging from 0.2 to 10 meters. In the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, significant meadows are located in regions such as Burgas, Sarafovo, Pomorie, Sunny Beach, Poda, Otmanli and Sozopol Bay. Zostera nolti

Mullus barbatus  In the Black Sea , Mullus barbatus  (red mullet) is a native and important species, though its population dynamics differ somewhat from those in the Mediterranean due to environmental and ecological differences.   Habitat Found along the coastal zones  of all Black Sea countries (Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia). Prefers muddy or sandy bottoms  at depths of 10–150 meters . Typically found in warmer seasons in shallower waters, moving d

Marine pollution is one of our most urgent environmental issues, endangering marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Tackling this crisis requires both individual and collective action. Altan   Aybaş , our dedicated volunteer and a 22-year-old Underwater Technologies student from Sinop University, actively addressed this challenge. Through his participation in our project, he engaged in hands-on conservation efforts, raised awareness about marine pollution, and advocated f

OTTER Otters' habitats include dens known as holts or couches, with their social structure described by terms such as dogs or boars for...

Jellyfish The invertebrates of the Black Sea are the silent protagonists of a fascinating ecosystem. Among the most common are jellyfish,...

We invite you to explore the journey of Enes Aşkın Yetiş , a 22-year-old underwater technologies student from Sinop University. His experiences as a volunteer highlight the profound impact of working alongside diverse individuals dedicated to environmental conservation. Enes's story underscores the importance of collaboration, personal growth, and the urgent need for environmental stewardship. Join us as we celebrate the transformative experiences of our volunteers and the po

In the serene coastal town of Sinop, located in the northern part of Turkey, an innovative and environmentally impactful artwork has...

~ Menu ~ 01. Palamut (Atlantic Bonito) - The delicious metal fish you see on the plate was pulled from the bay of Sinop by our divers and...

In our second week of our European Solidarity Corps, Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas project “Sustainable Environment for the...

In our second week of our European Solidarity Programme High Priority Areas Volunteer Teams project “Sustainable Environment for the...

Our second week of the European Solidarity Corps, Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas project “Sustainable Environment for the...

Our first week of the European Solidarity Corps, Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas project “Sustainable Environment for the...