İlayda Destan Öztürk

I am a marine biologist, I earned my master’s degree at the Marine Biology and Fisheries Department in the METU, Institute of Marine Sciences. I am recently a Ph. D. candidate and a Research Assistant at the Istanbul University, Institute of Marine Science and Management. My research focused on the optical properties of seawater, primary production, and ecosystem health. I am also a Marine Conservation Expert at the Turkish Marine Research Foundation, carrying out a national jellyfish monitoring program (YaYakarsa?). I worked on different citizen science projects. Being a marine biologist was a dream since my childhood, and I am very happy that I will be able to use my professionality for a better and healthier Black Sea. 

What makes me connect to the Black Sea?
The survival skill inspires me. 

The Related Blue Economy Sector
Marine fisheries, aquaculture, and living resources

My Keywords
#environmentalprotection, #underwaterlight, #biodiversity, #sustainability, #oceanengagedcitizens