Anamur environmental groups oppose proposed fish farms

Environmental organizations, including the Mersin Environmental and Nature Association (MERÇED) and the Anamur Environmental Platform, have issued a joint call to oppose proposed marine fish farming facilities off the coasts of Anamur and Aydıncık.

Local leaders and activists expressed strong opposition to the project, which is planned for the waters near Ören Burnu, Uçarı, and Demirören (Melleç) neighborhoods. During a scheduled public information meeting, officials from the Ministry and the project company reportedly left the area without conducting the session due to protests from local neighborhood heads (muhtars) and environmental volunteers.

Representatives noted that previous attempts to establish fish farms in the region in 2008 and 2019 were halted following legal challenges and public opposition. They claim Gümüşdoğa Su Ürünleri Üretim İhracat ve İthalat A.Ş. has reapplied to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change despite prior cancellations. Opponents argue the farms will cause irreparable damage to the marine ecosystem, seagrass, local fishing, tourism, and human health, particularly as sea temperatures in the Eastern Mediterranean rise.