The Marine Research and Technologies Research Group conducts studies on factors disrupting the ecological balance in our seas, such as the decline in biodiversity, the occurrence of alien/invasive species, eutrophication and the resulting decrease in oxygen levels in seawater, fish deaths, excessive algal blooms, and mucilage formation. Research is also carried out on the impacts of these factors on activities such as fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport. In this context, R&D studies are conducted on monitoring seawater and sediment quality in marine areas, assessing the impacts of municipal wastewater treatment plants on the marine environment, and developing solution proposals.

For all our seas, within the framework of national legislation, international conventions, and EU directives, the “Integrated Marine Pollution Monitoring Program (DEN-İZ)” has been carried out since 2014 under the coordination of the Marine Research and Technologies Research Group, adopting an ecosystem-based monitoring approach. This program continues through collaborations with many research institutions, universities, and public organizations. With the DEN-İZ National Monitoring Program, policies and strategies for national marine and coastal management are identified/revised, and the effectiveness of the measures taken is monitored.

Alongside the DEN-İZ National Monitoring Program, marine water and sediment quality monitoring studies are carried out within the maritime boundaries of Istanbul, Kocaeli, Bursa, and Izmir Metropolitan Municipalities. These studies include assessing the impacts of municipal wastewater treatment plants on the sea and developing solution proposals. Furthermore, projects aiming to identify microbial diversity in our seas and obtain antimicrobial molecules from marine microorganisms have integrated innovative molecular approaches and biotechnology into marine research.

In addition to these activities, studies are conducted within the scope of “Blue Growth”, which holds a significant place in European and national science policies, to identify and utilize the potential of our seas. Since 2010, the group has participated as a project partner in EU- and cross-border cooperation-supported projects.

Moreover, since 2017, various national strategy projects have been carried out under the coordination of the National Strategy Projects Research Group in cooperation with different ministries. Within the scope of maritime activities, several projects have been completed, including the development of YAKAMOS, a GIS-based decision support system for search and rescue, emergency response, and combating marine pollution, as well as the preparation of National Emergency Response Plans.

The Marine Research and Technologies Research Group operates with a team of 20 people consisting of 18 specialized researchers and 2 specialized technicians from different fields of expertise.

The research group's areas of expertise include coastal, marine and lake ecosystem studies, applied oceanography and modeling, management of maritime activities, coastal and marine areas management, GIS, geomatics and remote sensing, and legislation, policy and decision support. In addition to project work, the Unit's researchers serve as representatives on various national and international boards, committees and expert groups and participate in cooperation networks.