Assistant Professor Dr. Gökhan Tunçelli

About

I serve as an Assistant Professor at Istanbul University Faculty of Aquatic Sciences. My research focuses on aquaculture, aquaponics, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), microplastic pollution, fish reproductive physiology and swimming physiology. I have taken part in TÜBİTAK-, COST- and BAP-supported projects as principal investigator and researcher. I have published numerous scientific articles, book chapters and national/international conference papers in the field of aquatic sciences.

Projects

ECO-AQUATECH: Sustainable Aquaponic Systems and Nutrient Recovery through Türkiye–Indonesia Cooperation
Funding: TÜBİTAK 2573 – National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) Bilateral Cooperation Programme
Duration: 36 months
Status: Approved for funding
Principal Investigators: Dr. Gökhan Tunçelli (Istanbul University, Türkiye) and Dr. Muhammad Hanif Azhar (Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia).

ECO-AQUATECH aims to develop sustainable and resource-efficient aquaponic systems under different climatic conditions in Türkiye and Indonesia. The project investigates microalgae-based nutrient recovery in sturgeon-integrated aquaponic systems in Türkiye and duckweed (Lemna)-based nutrient recovery in tropical aquaponic systems in Indonesia.

Water quality, waste management and biological nutrient recovery efficiency will be comparatively evaluated. In collaboration with industrial partners, the project aims to translate scientific findings into practical and scalable aquaponic prototypes, contributing to circular aquaculture technologies.

Turkish Research Team – Istanbul University:
Gökhan Tunçelli (PI), Devrim Memiş, Reyhan Akçaalan Albay, Meriç Albay, Latife Köker and Gözde Özbayram.
Indonesian Research Partner:
Muhammad Hanif Azhar – Universitas Airlangga.
Industry Partners:
Türkiye: ADEC L.S.S / RAS – Baran Evliyaoğlu
Indonesia: PT. Faeyza Alam Lestari Sainslab – Rani Rahmayani.

Swimming Performance and Heart Rate of Eels During Sexual Maturation
EU-Funded Project (AQUAEXCEL, TNA) — Tunçelli G. (Principal Investigator), Memiş D., Palstra A., Abbink W.

Effects of Microplastic Pollution on Swimming Performance in Rainbow Trout and Russian Sturgeon
Higher Education Institutions-Supported Project (2024–2026) — Tunçelli G. (Principal Investigator) and team

Effects of Microplastics in a Freshwater IMTA System
TÜBİTAK – EU COST Project (2024–2027) — Tunçelli G. (Researcher)

Removal of Damage Caused by Microplastic and Mercury Exposure in Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck, 1819) Through Boron-Supplemented Depuration
TÜBİTAK – 1001 Project (2022–2025) — Tunçelli G. (Researcher)

News

Istanbul University Announces TÜBİTAK Support for International Research Projects

2026 | Istanbul University

Istanbul University has officially announced TÜBİTAK funding for two international research projects, including ECO-AQUATECH, coordinated in Türkiye by Dr. Gökhan Tunçelli from the Faculty of Aquatic Sciences.

Supported under the TÜBİTAK–BRIN Bilateral Cooperation Programme, ECO-AQUATECH brings together researchers and industry partners from Türkiye and Indonesia to develop sustainable aquaponic systems, improve nutrient recovery, and advance circular aquaculture technologies.

Read the official announcement – Istanbul University Source: Istanbul University

📰 Microplastics May Reduce Production in Aquaculture (Anadolu Agency)

April 3, 2026

A study conducted at Istanbul University showed that microplastic exposure may adversely affect production performance in aquaculture and lead to a reduction in total biomass yield.

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🔗 Read the news → Anadolu Agency Source: Anadolu Agency

📰 Use of Aquaponic Waste in Microalgae Production (Anadolu Agency)

September 25, 2025

Fish farming wastes are converted into microalgae, contributing to the reduction of the pollution load in marine environments.

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🔗 Read the news → Anadolu Agency Source: Anadolu Agency

📰 I Delivered My First University Lecture

July 29, 2025

As part of the “Istanbul University Preference Days” and the “First Lecture 101” event, I delivered the first amphitheater lecture of the Faculty of Aquatic Sciences under the title “Aquatic Sciences and Future Vision.”