South Africa and Egypt Join Nuclear Fishing Tournament

By Staff Reporter

On Saturday, Rosatom organised the third International Fishing Tournament at the construction site of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin, Turkey, where participants from seven countries gathered to promote harmony between nature and nuclear energy.

The event, held for the first time outside Russia, symbolised Rosatom’s global commitment to environmental transparency and responsible energy development.

Fourteen fishing enthusiasts, including representatives from South Africa and Egypt, took part in the friendly competition, which aimed to demonstrate that ecosystems around nuclear facilities remain clean, safe, and thriving.

Countries that participated in the tournament included South Africa, Egypt, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Indonesia. The team from Hungary claimed first place, followed by Indonesia in second, while Egypt proudly took third place. The prize for the “Biggest Fish” category was awarded to the team from Uzbekistan.

One of the South African participants described the experience as unforgettable, saying it reshaped his view of modern nuclear energy. “Seeing firsthand how nature continues to flourish truly changes your perception of what modern nuclear energy means. South Africa has long relied on nuclear power safely, and this event showed me that clean energy can be both responsible and full of life,” he said.

Radiation monitoring specialists from Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, the company responsible for building and operating the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, also took part in the event. They measured radiation levels in all fish caught during the competition and confirmed that the results met safety standards, ensuring that the environment around the site remains unaffected.

Rosatom’s Deputy Director General for Communications at Rosatom International Network, Alexandra Yustus, highlighted that the tournament was more than just a competition. “The International Fishing Tournament is an opportunity to demonstrate our respect for nature while implementing large-scale nuclear projects. It helps build trust in nuclear power and shows that it can underpin the green energy mix of the future,” she said.

In conclusion, the International Fishing Tournament not only celebrated teamwork and sustainability but also demonstrated that peaceful nuclear development can coexist with thriving ecosystems, inspiring cooperation among nations toward a greener, cleaner energy future.

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