Karataş Sustainable Fisheries Support Project

Karataş Sustainable Fisheries Support Project
The Karataş Sustainable Fisheries Support Project is a multifaceted initiative launched in collaboration with Enerjisa Enerji, the Karataş Municipality, and the Karataş Fisheries Cooperative. The project aims to reduce marine pollution, preserve regional biodiversity, establish a sustainable economic model, and support local social development.
Karataş, home to the Mediterranean’s largest fishing fleet and significant plastic pollution, is a district with a population of approximately 25,000 people. Fishing, the main source of livelihood in the area, is becoming increasingly challenging due to environmental factors. The marine ecosystem is under threat from human activities, various pollutants, and invasive species driven by global warming.
This project was developed with a multidimensional approach to reduce marine pollution, implement renewable energy, preserve a sustainable fishing ecosystem, and make women’s contributions more visible in this ecosystem. It supports local development with a sustainability perspective and contributes to nine of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key highlights of the project include:

Marine Pollution Reduction and Recycling: Ghost nets and plastic waste collected from the sea are brought to a waste collection center managed by the cooperative, integrated into the recycling ecosystem, and transformed into new employment opportunities.
Renewable Energy Implementation: A 20 kW solar power plant installed on the cooperative's cold storage roof meets a significant portion of its energy needs through sustainable, clean energy sources. This reduces annual CO₂ emissions by 23 tons, and the savings are reinvested into the fishing ecosystem.
Capacity Building and Awareness: Fishermen receive training on marine biodiversity, sustainable fishing practices, and energy efficiency, while local residents participate in workshops focused on climate change, gender equality, and quality of life.
Empowering Women: Women affected by climate inequities are supported through income-generating workshops, training programs, and awareness activities. Special training is also provided to enhance their professional skills and economic participation.