BIOBLACK Uses Interactive Trophic Model to Teach Black Sea Food Webs

Forty-six students at Dumlupınar Elementary School in Ortahisar explored Black Sea marine biodiversity through an interactive educational session organized by the BIOBLACK project. The training focused on Black Sea food chains, threatened and invasive species, and the ecological impacts of pollution and habitat loss. Using a 3D trophic pyramid model, students examined key local species and their feeding relationships. To bring these concepts to life, each student represented a marine organism and linked with classmates using ropes to construct a dynamic food web. This hands-on exercise clearly demonstrated species interdependence and highlighted how disruptions to one population affect the entire ecosystem. The event concluded with an engaging discussion, and students received BIOBLACK T-shirts, posters, and brochures to inspire continued learning in marine conservation.