The Pagit Spektrum: DEEPNETS team, consisting of students from Manisa Celal Bayar University, won first place in the “Environment and Energy” category of the Research Projects Competition held as part of TEKNOFEST TRNC 2025.

The project, carried out under the supervision of team advisor Lect. Mehmet Nuri Öğüt, was developed by team members Hakan Çevik, Umut Günay, Barış Can Gökçe, Beril İralgil, Özge Göksu, and İrem Akalan. The team created biodegradable fishing nets made from PLA, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic fishing nets, which pose serious environmental threats to marine ecosystems.

Tested in laboratory conditions, the prototype nets stood out for their high mechanical durability and biodegradability. This innovative solution aims to contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems and promote a sustainable, environmentally conscious approach to fishing.

Emphasizing the environmental impact of their project, the team stated: “With our project, we aim to rid waters, seas, and oceans of microplastics and harmful fishing nets. While conventional industrial fishing nets take up to 600 years to degrade underwater, our net dissolves naturally in just 6 months. Many underwater species are in danger, and we have developed a solution. Our fishing net begins to degrade naturally after staying underwater for six months and upon interaction with saltwater.”

Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, Rector of Manisa Celal Bayar University, said: “I sincerely congratulate our team for representing our university with great success. I believe they will continue to inspire others with their environmentally conscious project.”

Highlighting that the university reached the finals with four different projects at TEKNOFEST TRNC, Rector Kibar added: “I congratulate all our students once again. Reaching the finals was already a great success for us, and today we crowned that success with a first-place award. We are truly proud.”