Designed by Turkish engineers for oceanographic studies, TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Ship was launched on July 01, 2013 and started its operations.
TUBITAK Marmara, a regional class and medium-sized oceanographic research vessel with a high cruising average of 200 days per year since its commissioning, is equipped with a multi-water sampler and CTD device to monitor temperature, conductivity, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen throughout the water column, By measuring basic oceanographic parameters such as fluorescence and light transmittance at high resolution and in real time, critical depths for nutrients, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a and plankton sampling can be determined based on the current physical, optical and fluorescence properties of the water column.
In addition, the research vessel is equipped with basic oceanographic, hydrographic and bathymetric instruments such as multi-beam depth sounders, current meters, side-scan sonars, seafloor cross-sectional viewers, and a dynamic positioning system for research that requires the ship to maintain its position. With the USBL acoustic positioning system, the position of equipment such as underwater vehicles, measuring devices and divers can be tracked.
Bathymetric maps up to a depth of 2,000m can be created with the multi-beam depth sounder and the current profile of the sea water can be obtained with the current meter device. In addition, the bottom structure under the seabed can be visualized with the Side Scan Sonar and Seabed Cross Section Imager.
With its up-to-date equipment, the research vessel establishes a regular monitoring network in the seas of our country, including the Black Sea, the Marmara Sea and the Straits, the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea, determines the chemical and ecological status of our seas, and evaluates the effectiveness of measures to protect the marine environment and their compliance with national and international legislation.
Field measurements and sampling are carried out on board, and seawater analyses are carried out in the research vessel's laboratory without wasting time. Validation studies for parameters important in marine research have been completed, national/international laboratory comparison tests have been passed and the reliability of the data produced has been ensured by becoming accredited.
Phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthic organisms living on the seabed, which are indicators of primary production, can be sampled, and the samples taken are examined together with experts from TÜBİTAK MAM ÇTÜE and experts from marine science institutes and aquaculture faculties of universities.
In addition, the detection and temporal variation of pollution levels in sediment and biota matrices are examined. Total organic carbon, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and metals are measured. The results are evaluated according to environmental quality standards and Turkish food codexes for public health.
Through workshops or symposia, the results of monitoring studies and marine pressures are shared with public institutions, universities, municipalities and other relevant stakeholders in the regions, who are the beneficiaries and stakeholders of the seas in question.
On board TÜBİTAK Marmara, marine research projects are supported by various institutions and organizations, including the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, TÜBİTAK Presidency, Istanbul, Kocaeli, Bursa and Izmir Metropolitan Municipalities. In addition, some projects supported by the European Union are also supported by the research vessel.
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