TCEF Sea Series: From Sea to Table: Health, Ecosystems and the Future
From Sea to Table: A Conversation with Prof. Dr. Emine Aksoydan
Rethinking health, food systems, and the future of our seas
The relationship between what we eat and the health of our seas reveals more than dietary choices; it reflects how deeply food systems shape ecosystems, climate resilience, and social equity. Through her work, Prof. Dr. Emine Aksoydan explores how nutrition, environmental sustainability, and public health are interconnected — from agricultural lands to marine ecosystems.
Her perspective reminds us that building healthier and more resilient food systems requires not only awareness, but structural change that connects individual well-being with planetary health.
In a country like Türkiye, surrounded by seas on three sides, how do marine ecosystems influence our health and quality of life?
The sea lies at the heart of the relationship between a healthy individual and a healthy planet. Fish and other seafood provide essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and high-quality protein, playing a crucial role in cardiovascular health, brain development, and immune function.
At the same time, contact with the sea — swimming, walking along the shore, spending time in blue spaces — supports mental health and overall well-being. Beyond that, oceans absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen; in this sense, marine ecosystems can be described as the planet’s life-support system.
In short, when the sea is healthy, society is healthy.
What key transformations do you foresee in agriculture and food systems? And how can we link local seafood with climate goals and food security?
Food systems are evolving toward models that are smarter, more transparent and more resource-efficient. AI-supported production, sensor technologies and data analytics help optimize water and energy use.
Regenerative agriculture strengthens soil health and increases carbon storage, while systems like blockchain improve traceability and transparency.
Balancing technology with nature makes it possible to rethink production in a way that brings climate goals and food security into the same framework.
Book recommendation
Emine Aksoydan and Öykü Yaman – Sustainable Living Guide
The book explores the foundations of sustainable living and how it can be applied in everyday life in clear and accessible language. It addresses topics such as the environmental footprint of daily habits, nutrition, waste management, conscious consumption, physical activity, and lifelong healthy living practices, and also includes a Sustainability Glossary.
This interview is part of TCEF’s Sea Series, developed in collaboration with members of TCEF’s Advisory Board. The series aims to bring together experiences from diverse fields working on Türkiye’s coastal and marine ecosystems, highlighting conservation approaches that connect science, art, and community-based action.