Bakırköy, Istanbul Faces Mass Fish Deaths, AFAD Launches Investigation

Hundreds to thousands of dead fish washed ashore at the point where Çırpıcı Deresi meets the sea in Bakırköy district, Istanbul, on the evening of 28 June 2026. Residents reported the sight and authorities responded. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), together with police, coast‑guard and municipal teams, cordoned off the area, placed safety tape and collected water samples for laboratory analysis.

The Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (İSKİ) has been carrying out works for about four days on the creek, including waste‑water discharge, rain‑water diversion and ditch repairs, which have lowered the water level. Officials suspect a link between these works and the fish deaths, but the exact cause remains under investigation pending lab results. No injuries to people were reported, and the incident is being treated as an environmental health concern.

AFAD has opened an urgent investigation, and samples will be examined to determine whether pollutants, oxygen depletion or another factor triggered the mass mortality.