Johannesburg – The third International Fishing Tournament was recently held on the construction site of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, organised by Rosatom in the province of Mersin, Turkey.
For the first time, this large-scale event took place outside of Russia, symbolising the global reach of Rosatom’s peaceful nuclear initiatives and its commitment to environmental transparency.
The tournament’s goal was simple yet powerful: to show that nature and nuclear can coexist.
The event showcased how the ecosystems surrounding modern nuclear facilities remain safe, clean, and thriving.
The tournament was attended by 14 fishing enthusiasts, including representatives from South Africa and Egypt.
It was also observed by journalists and industry experts.
Among the participants from other countries who took part in the competition were teams from Hungary, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Indonesia.
The Egyptian team took third place in the competition.
The first and second places – teams from Hungary and Indonesia, respectively.
The prize in the Biggest Fish category went to the team from Uzbekistan.
“It’s been an unforgettable experience,” one of the participants from South Africa said.
“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 being part of this event showed me that the future of clean energy can be both responsible and full of life.
“This activity resonates strongly with South Africa’s own ambitions for sustainable and secure energy.”
Radiation monitoring specialists from Akkuyu Nuclear JSC (the company responsible for building, operating, and decommissioning the Akkuyu NPP in Turkey) also participated in the event.
During the weighting process, they measured radiation doses in the fish caught during the competition with the help of special equipment, confirming its safety.
“The International Fishing Tournament is an opportunity to demonstrate our respect for nature while implementing large-scale nuclear power projects,” said Deputy Director General for Communications at Rosatom International Network Private Institution, Alexandra Yustus.
“It is important for us that representatives of partner countries see with their own eyes our responsible approach to ecosystem conservation.
“The tournament also allows us to show that the development of infrastructure around the NPP is turning the region into a comfortable place for life, recreation, and tourism, creating new opportunities for several generations of local residents.
“Such events help build trust in nuclear power and prove that it can underpin the green energy mix of the future.”
The International Fishing Tournament is a regular Rosatom awareness-raising event that brings together fishing enthusiasts, media representatives, and experts from different countries since 2019.
The competitions are held in the water area of operating nuclear power facilities and are designed to demonstrate the safety of nuclear power for the environment.
Russia is actively fostering cooperation with every nation interested. Many large-scale international projects are in progress.
By taking part in Rosatom’s tournament, South African participants not only showcased their passion for fishing but also highlighted the importance of balancing natural beauty, environmental care, and technological progress.
