Ghost‑net removal in Bodrum sees 25,000 juvenile sea bass released

A marine‑environment cleanup organized by the Muğla Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Directorate was held at the Gündoğan Fishermen's Harbor in Bodrum, Turkey. Governor İdris Akbıyık, district governor Ali Sırmalı, director Seyfettin Baydar and other officials oversaw the removal of about 2,000 square metres of abandoned fishing gear from the seabed.

Divers located and lifted the ghost nets, which were then taken to shore for disposal. Following the cleanup, participants released approximately 25,000 juvenile sea bass (levrek) back into the water. The ceremony was attended by students, local residents and officials. During the operation, dolphins were observed swimming alongside the boats, highlighting the area's marine biodiversity. Governor Akbıyık noted that in the past ten years, 154,000 square metres of ghost nets and 151 tonnes of debris have been removed from Muğla’s coasts, covering more than 1.5 million square metres of sea area.