Fethiye Gulf to undergo major bottom mud cleaning project

A major environmental project is set to begin in Turkey's Fethiye Gulf to clean accumulated bottom mud and protect the marine ecosystem. The initiative aims to remove approximately 16.2 million cubic meters of mud across a 600-hectare area, where sediment depths reach up to 2.7 meters. Once completed, the project targets an average depth of 3.4 meters in the gulf.

The operation will be carried out over three years using two dredging vessels belonging to the Turkey Environmental Agency (TÜÇA). The project is part of the Zero Waste Blue Movement and includes the introduction of the Mapa-Buoy System in the Fethiye-Göcek Special Environmental Protection Area. This system is designed to prevent uncontrolled anchoring to protect sea grass meadows and regulate maritime traffic to support sustainable tourism.

High-level officials, including Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum and Emine Erdoğan, Chair of the UN Environment Programme Zero Waste High-Level Advisory Board, are expected to participate in the project's launch. Local authorities, including Muğla Governor İdris Akbıyık, have emphasized that these efforts are vital for preserving the natural structure of the gulf and protecting the 'Blue Homeland'.