This study aims to investigate the dynamic impact of the fishing industry on marine water contamination in 27 European countries by taking into account the roles of fisheries output, the use of fossil fuels, economic development, and governance between 1990 and 2022. The results, which used a novel technique called the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) in addition to factors that are fixed effect, demonstrated that, at most quantiles, there was a significant positive correlation between fishing production and marine water contamination. At the earliest and latest quantiles, fishery production significantly exacerbates marine water contamination, with a smaller impact at the lowest and a larger impact at the highest. Additionally, the data indicate that affluent EU14 countries produce more fish than developing EU13 countries, which has a significant and negative impact on the contamination of marine water. Marine water contamination from the usage of fossil fuels has increased significantly in the EU13 developing countries as compared to the EU14 wealthy countries. Policymakers can reduce marine water contamination in EU14 and EU13 countries by using eco-friendly fishing gear, more sustainable fishing methods, and energy technologies like wave and tidal power.

In this study, Schizochytrium limacinum PA-968 and Crypthecodinium cohnii CCMP-316 were produced in the media including apple (AJ) and grape juices (GJ), which contain carbon sources that are alternatives to standard carbon containing media (SM). The S. limacinum biomass productions were 9.52±0.08 g L-1 (AJ), 8.70± 0.05 g L-1 (GJ), and 8.58±0.02 g L-1 (SM). C. cohnii produced biomass as 3.45±0.06 g L-1 (GJ), 1.52±0.04 g L-1 (AJ), and 1.35±0.02 g L-1 (SM). The fruit juice-based media enhanced biomass production. It was observed that the lipid production of S. limacinum increased by 17.6% in the medium with apple juice (2.54±0.02 g L-1), while this increase was 65.3% in the grape juice-based medium (3.57±0.02 g L-1). The addition of apple juice caused an increase in the lipid amount 1.9 times higher (0.23±0.02 g L-1), while grape juice induced 5.3 times more lipid production in C. cohnii culture (0.50±0.03 g L-1). The study emphasized that these wastes or by-products can be considered as sustainable and financially supportive solutions to be alternatives to carbon sources in production with S. limacinum and C. cohnii cultures.

To improve growth, digestion, antioxidant status, and feed efficiency, this study sought to identify the ideal inclusion level of an organic mineral mixture (OMM®; proteinates of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Se) to partially replace inorganic mineral premixes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry diet. Four isoproteic diets (0% control, 0.5% OMM-50, 0.75% OMM-75, 1.0% OMM-100) were subjected to triplicate testing using over 60 days. Final weight (13.55±0.03 g), SGR (3.99±0.02%/day), and trypsin activity (2.46±0.10 U/mg protein), were maximum in the OMM-50 group and lowest FCR (1.02±0.01). Both moderate OMM (0.5–0.75%) increased the SOD (8.79±1.9, 7.67±1.3 U/mg protein) and GPx (0.32±0.11, 0.17±0.06 U/mg protein) activities, decreasing MDA (1.60±0.87, 2.83±0.76 nmol/mg protein), suggesting enhanced antioxidant defense. Conversely, OMM-100 reduced growth (11.19±0.06 g), SGR (3.49±0.18%/day), and survival (84.29±0.82%), but increased feed intake (3.37±0.03%/day), indicating mineral imbalance. The peak of whole-body mineral contents was observed at OMM-50, validating higher bioavailability. Thus, 0.5% OMM replacement optimizes physiological outcomes and offers a sustainable alternative to inorganic minerals in aquafeeds.

Superabsorbent polymers were synthesized from cross-linked acrylic acid using collagen and chitosan via the surface polymerization method, with N, N-methylene bis(acrylamide) as the cross-linker and ammonium persulfate as the initiator. Collagen obtained from jellyfish collected from the Sea of Marmara and marine-derived chitosan were chosen as monomers. Superabsorbent polymers were characterized using FT-IR, SEM, and DSC. The swelling capacities of superabsorbent polymers were measured and compared. The maximum water absorption capacities in saline solution were 79 and 136 g/g for chitosan-polyacrylic acid and collagen-polyacrylic acid superabsorbent polymers, respectively. The highest water retention capacities of chitosan-polyacrylic acid and collagen-polyacrylic acid superabsorbent polymers were calculated as approximately 70 times and 120 times their weight, respectively. Fickian diffusion and pseudo-second-order kinetics were applied to determine the swelling kinetics, revealing a perfect relationship. Consequently, the superabsorbent polymer synthesized with collagen obtained from jellyfish had a higher water absorption capacity. To our knowledge, no prior research has documented the production of a biobased superabsorbent derived from jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) in the Sea of Marmara. Hence, this study represents a novel and valuable contribution to the literature. Moreover, the increased use of biodegradable biobased superabsorbent polymers can help reduce the carbon footprint and mitigate environmental pollution.

Türkiye, a key biogeographic bridge between Europe and Asia, has experienced major advances in taxonomic knowledge of its freshwater fishes, but existing faunal lists lag behind recent revisions. We present a revised checklist that compiles and standardises records using the latest IUCN assessments, published descriptions and revisions (to 2026), museum collections and expert-verified data. Unestablished introductions and strictly marine visitors were excluded. We recognise 390 freshwater fish species in 37 families, including 367 native species and 23 established non-native taxa, of which 202 natives (55%) are endemic to Türkiye. Species richness is concentrated in Leuciscidae (113 species), Nemacheilidae (59) and Cyprinidae (53), which together comprise 61.5% of the native fauna. At the catchment scale, total richness ranges from 11 species in the Van Basin to 65 in the Sakarya drainage, endemic richness was highest in Antalya (28 species) and non-native richness in the Sakarya drainage (10 species). The checklist provides updated nomenclature, distributions within Türkiye and standardised common names, establishing an agreed taxonomic baseline for biodiversity assessment, fisheries and conservation management.

Despite progress in artificial diets, live rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) remain essential for larval fish in marine hatcheries due to their superior digestibility, requiring additives to ensure a healthy culture. This study investigated the effects of water-based extracts from Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Nigella sativa (black cumin), Lippia citriodora (lemon grass), and Origanum vulgare (thyme) on rotifer culture performance. Rotifers were cultured for 29 days with extracts at 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 ppm and compared to a control group. All variables (extract, concentration, and time) significantly affected performance (P<0.05). The 1.00 ppm concentrations of R. officinalis and N. sativa proved most effective, yielding the highest rotifer densities (2.4×105 individuals L-1). These groups also exhibited superior reproductive performance, measured by the proportion of egg-carrying females, and showed significant dose-dependent changes in swimming patterns. These findings demonstrate that 1.00 ppm extracts of rosemary and black cumin are viable, natural additives for optimizing rotifer productivity. This approach offers a sustainable method to enhance live feed quality, potentially providing significant advantages for the early larval feeding stages in marine aquaculture.

The sea cucumbers are recognized not only for their nutritional value but also for their therapeutic and pharmaceutical properties. Therefore, detailed chemical and biological studies were aimed on the sea cucumber species H. tubulosa which is common in the Aegean Sea, for the first time. Following extraction and chromatographic separation of the n-butanol extract, seven secondary metabolites were isolated one sterol sulfate, one stanol xyloside, two sphingolipid derivatives, and three saponins. Structural elucidation was achieved using advanced spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR. The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of these compounds were evaluated via the MTT assay on CCD-34Lu, PC-3, PANC-1, A549, and U-87 MG cell lines. Among the compounds, holothurin B (5) exhibited the most potent cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing activity, particularly in PC-3 and PANC-1 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 1.22±0.15 μM and 3.92±0.35 μM, respectively. Considering these results; the substance has great potential for planning further studies as a candidate saponin for use in cancer therapy. A drug formulation containing completely local and 100% natural saponin isolated from sea cucumbers growing in our seas can be considered as a robust potential for future in vivo and clinical research.

The objective of this study is to investigate the probiotic potential of marine lactic acid bacteria (LAB) by isolating them from a range of fish samples, identifying the different strains, and analysing their probiotic characteristics. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, three LAB strains were identified and evaluated for their probiotic potential, including their enzymatic activities (such as hemolytic and DNase activities, and API ZYM profile) and their resilience to gastrointestinal conditions. The study also examined their antimicrobial properties, adhesion abilities (including biofilm formation capacity), auto-aggregation, co-aggregation with pathogenic bacteria, and surface hydrophobicity. Their antibiotic susceptibility was also evaluated. The LAB strains; Saf1 (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei), Saf2 (Pediococcus pentosaceus), and Saf3 (Pediococcus acidilactici) demonstrated significant probiotic potential, tolerating harsh gastric and intestinal conditions (low pH, pepsin, and trypsin resistance) without exhibiting detectable DNase or hemolytic activity. Furthermore, all strains displayed strong auto and co aggregation capacities, and high hydrophobicity. The tested isolates effectively inhibited various fish pathogens isolated from seabass and seabream, including Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Aeromonas salmonicida and Aeromonas hydrophila. In addition, all isolates were sensitive to veterinary antibiotics and produced phosphatase enzymes, which support growth, boost immunity, and ensure proper mineral absorption, making probiotics an attractive alternative to traditional antibiotics in aquaculture systems. Overall, the findings of this current investigation indicate that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (Saf1) is the most promising probiotic strain, which could be exploited for functional use in aquaculture.

Due to the increasing global demand for protein, the commercial cultivation of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) has significantly expanded, highlighting the need for sustainable growth and breeding strategies. In this context, the novelty of combining probiotics and hormones offers a promising approach to enhance both sustainability and productivity in aquaculture. This study aimed to evaluated the growth performance and induced breeding response of P. hypophthalmus brooders under the influence of multi-strain probiotics and hormonal treatments using pituitary gland (PG) extract and Ovaprim. Brooders were divided into four groups: T1 (basal diet 35% CP+Lactobacillus rhamnosus), T2 (basal diet 35% CP+Bacillus subtilis), T3 (basal diet 35% CP + L. rhamnosus + B. subtilis), and a control group fed only the basal diet of 35% CP. The culture was carried out in ponds with clayey, fertile soil, optimal pH (7.5–8.5), and proper drainage. Male and female brooders were cultured separately to avoid uncontrolled spawning. Growth performance was assessed via weight gain, feed utilization metrics, and reproductive parameters following hormonal induction. Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Duncan`s multiple range test) revealed that T3 showed the best overall performance. T3 brooders exhibited the highest mean net weight gain (136.31±10.34 g), specific growth rate (SGR: 0.333±0.01), protein efficiency ratio (PER: 6.88±0.04), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE: 206%), along with the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR: 0.48±0.02). Reproductive outcomes were also superior in T3, with the highest fecundity (128.93), fertilization rate (73%), and hatching rate (62%) under Ovaprim and PG hormone application. These findings highlight the effectiveness of multi-strain probiotics as a sustainable and viable alternative to conventional growth promoters in aquaculture. The integration of probiotics performance, offering a feasible strategy for large-scale catfish production.

No studies have examined the appropriateness of artificial intelligence for the planning of artificial reefs used in fisheries management. This study examined ChatGPT's capabilities in planning artificial reef (AR) projects by asking 50 questions and evaluating the answers from five experts. This approach aimed to assess the interactivity of ChatGPT, its contribution to the advancement of marine science and technology, and its potential limitations in the applied marine context. We analysed the experts` ratings using the Likert scale. Specifically, the appropriateness of responses varied between prompts, indicating different levels of relevance and appropriateness. Likewise, the validity of the information presented in the responses varied significantly, suggesting differences in the accuracy and reliability of the content provided. Additionally, assessments of the overall quality of responses yielded analogous results, highlighting differences in the completeness and effectiveness of responses. Using the seven-point Likert scale, the average score of the experts for the first ten questions, which are basic aspects of the ARs, was 4.6 for agreement, 4.7 for relevance, and 4.6 for quality of response. For the remaining 40 questions, which were based on specific phases of the AR project, the average scores were 4.6 for agreement, 4.6 for appropriateness, and 4.5 for quality. Our results suggest that while ChatGPT can effectively address fundamental issues related to ARs and provide accessible information on project planning steps to a wide range of stakeholders, including NGO staff, ministry engineers, private sector officials, and students, it is less reliable for nuanced, high-level scientific inquiries. In summary, while ChatGPT shows promise as an educational and planning aid in the context of ARs, its application should be undertaken cautiously to mitigate the risks associated with its current limitations. Advances in AI and specialized data access are expected to expand their role in research and project planning, improving utility and reliability.