We inspire students with our own example — the experience of Professor Vitaly BEKH as a scientific observer in Antarctic waters

In contemporary world, where information is changing rapidly and challenges are becoming more complex, not only theoretical knowledge, but also real practical skills are of particular value. Professor Vitaly BEKH, who had the opportunity to take part in a scientific mission in Antarctic waters, shared this invaluable experience with students.

Within the framework of Ukraine's participation in the activities of the Commission for the conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), head of the department of aquaculture Vitaly BEKH served as a national scientific observer in the Antarctic fang fishery aboard the fishing vessel «Koreiz».

Antarctica is a unique ecosystem that impresses with its grandiose glaciers and unusual flora and fauna. Navigation in the waters of the Southern Ocean, as well as the implementation of industrial and scientific fisheries research in this region, is usually possible only during the Antarctic summer. This time lasts from December to February and is marked by a significant reduction in the area of ice cover, which provides access to the sea.

The international scientific monitoring system is an effective tool for obtaining scientific information that is critical for analyzing the impact of fishing on ecosystems in general, as well as on populations of target fish species and interconnected marine organisms. One of the main objects of fishing are fangs (genus Dissostichus) — large deep-sea fish that are found at depths of up to 1600 m. These fish are distinguished by their impressive size and extremely valuable fatty meat containing up to 30% fat. Fang meat is rich in iodine, omega-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, which makes this product highly valued on the world market. The main consumers of this delicacy are Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, as well as Germany in Europe and the United States. During fishing, cases of organisms belonging to a vulnerable marine ecosystem (VME) being caught in fishing gear were recorded. In total, representatives of 11 taxonomic groups of benthic organisms were identified.

From the lecturer's story, students learned about the main aspects of the work of observers on board the ship, which included monitoring the installation of tiers and devices for scaring seabirds; registration of species that fell on hooks, the presence of marked fish in catches, as well as the selection of fish for tagging (if necessary); interaction of fishing gear with seabirds and mammals; sampling in the fish processing shop and conducting biological analysis of fangs and by-catch; observations on manipulations with fish (releasing stingrays from by-catch, plucking fish during lifting on board the ship, handling fish during tagging, etc.); monitoring the ship's compliance with the requirements of CCAMLR; filling out the logbook of scientific observers, drawing up a CCAMLR report and a national report. Vitaly Valeriyovych stressed that the knowledge gained by applicants during their studies in specialties «Aquatic bioresources and aquaculture» is a solid foundation for further professional career development and integration into the international scientific and practical space. So, this year two more graduates of our faculty played the role of international experts in the research of Antarctic aquatic bioresources.

The lecture aroused considerable interest in the audience, leaving a deep impression on the minds of the students. They actively participated in the discussion, asked meaningful questions and showed sincere interest. Such events, based on the real practical experience of teachers, help students gain confidence in their knowledge and skills, provide a deeper understanding of the specifics of the specialty chosen and become a source of inspiration for further professional development.

We would like to conclude with a quote by Vitaly Valeriyovych: «Learning is hard work. However, having overcome everything, the whole world will open up before you!»