Professor of Marine Science and fisheries and retired director of Middle East Technical University Institute of Marine Sciences Professor Ferit Bingel  passed away on May 12, 2021 at the age of 75.

Ferit “hoca” completed his Bachelor’s and PhD degrees at the Christian Albrechts University, Institute of Oceanography Kiel, Germany. After his short service at the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture, he joined METU-IMS in 1979. His recruitment played a boosting role in the foundation of the Department of Marine Biology and Fisheries, which he headed until his retirement. Soon after, he became the first marine scientist to receive the TÜBİTAK’s (Scientific and Technological Research Council Of Türkiye) Science Encouragement Award in 1983.

He taught a variety of courses during his years at his department, including his legendary course “MASC 575 Dynamics of Fish Populations”, which was also published as a textbook pioneering in its kind. Hoca’s pride was in his institute and students; however, he shared his passion for fisheries science and his vast knowledge with many outside his school to institute science-based fisheries management in his country. Who knows how many people's academic life and how many research ideas have been guided during the sincere conversations held on the terrace of his office, accompanied by his greatest addiction, MALTEPE, and strong Turkish Coffee?

He was made professor emeritus in 2012, although he continued to guide both faculty members and students for many years more with his great experience in fisheries science.