GAU 1st International Marine Sciences and Technology Symposium

The 1st International Marine Sciences and Technology Symposium commenced at Chateau Lambousa Hotel under the leadership of Girne American University (GAU) Mediterranean Underwater Research Centre with the co-operation of Çanakkale University and Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University.

The 1st International Marine Sciences and Technology Symposium which was held between 15th and 17th March at Chateau Lambousa Hotel, which operates under GAU, commenced with a minute of silence and the National Anthem for those who lost their lives at the mine accident in Soma and was attended by Vice Chair of the TRNC Assembly, Undersecretary of the Public Works and Transportation Ministry - Dr. Suat Yeldener, Chair of the GAU Board of Trustees Memduh Erdal, GAU Founding Rector and Chancellor of the Board - Serhat Akpınar, GAU CEO and Vice Chancellor of the Board - Assist. Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, GAU Vice Chancellors of the Board - Olgun Üstün and Cemile Esenyel, Kastamonu University Rector - Prof. Dr. Seyit Aydın, GAU Vice Rector - Prof. Dr. Sadık Ülker.

Sadık Ülker, who made a speech at the opening of the symposium, stated that they are pleased to host the 1st International Marine Sciences and Technology Symposium as GAU and briefed the participants about Girne American University.

Kastamonu University Rector - Prof. Dr. Seyit Aydın emphasized in his speech that with the increase in the world population new food and energy resources are needed and stated that new perspectives are developed for water and the products obtained from water in the research of new resources in the 21st century.

GAU CEO and Vice Chancellor of the Board - Assist. Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi expressed condolences and mercy of God to the families of the mine workers who lost their lives in the sad tragedy in Manisa and the entire Turkish nation.

Vehbi stated that they are pleased as the GAU Family to hold such an important symposium and noted that scientific contributions regarding the preservation of natural life, marine sciences, and maritime technologies were targeted with this symposium and all of the work and research held a great importance as social responsibility.

Vehbi talked about the environmental disasters and their effects of recent days and highlighted that the natural gas located around the island presents a serious danger to the seas and the technology and methods that will be used during removal of the natural gas should be planned without causing any damage to the seas.

GAU Founding President and Chancellor of the Board - Serhat Akpinar stated in his speech that the seas which occupy the three quarters of the world, supply the oxygen and host 80 percent of the species and are a security and economic development source for many countries and noted that the topics such as marine science, technology, oceanography, underwater ecology, and water science will be addressed in the symposium.

Akpınar noted that the underwater research is the priority work of the university and stated that they will intensify their efforts in this direction together with the global partners to ensure the best conditions for future generations.

Vice President of the TRNC Assembly - Ünal Üstel emphasized in his speech that the symposium which was held under GAU has a significant importance and celebrated Serhat Akpınar and the GAU Family for the contribution to tourism with the Chateau Lambousa Hotel along with the higher education.

Üstel noted that Northern Cyprus, which is the pearl of the Mediterranean Sea with its nature and rich history, could not reach the desired level of tourism due to the embargoes and stated that serious momentum was captured in tourism due to the strategies developed with the Republic of Turkey in 2011.

Üstel who stated that the significant water shortage in the country will come to an end with the project of the century, noted that the agricultural sector and economy will improve and the prosperity in the country will increase with the arrival of water.

Scientists from three different Continents attend the Symposium

GAU Mediterranean Underwater Research Center stated that the symposium held on 15-16-17 May 2014 in the field of "Aquatic Sciences" would attract significant attention and make a major contribution to the promotion of the country; and would launch a new era in maritime training. The symposium was attended by over 100 expert scientists in their fields especially from Turkey, America and Japan as speakers and scientists will find the opportunity to transfer their studies to those who work in common areas. It is emphasized that the symposium held in the area of the Mediterranean Sea, one of the world's most important watersheds and its majestic island of Cyprus held a significant importance in terms of its concept.

After the speeches, plaques of appreciation were presented to the participants and those who contributed to the symposium. Scholars and scientists from 10 countries conducted several presentations in the symposium on topics such as marine pollution, oceanography, fisheries, natural resources, underwater research, marine science and fish farming.