Mediterranean Sea faces rising plastic and microplastic pollution

Experts are warning of rising plastic and microplastic pollution along the Mediterranean coasts, particularly affecting Turkey’s shores in Mersin, Antalya, and Adana. Prof. Dr. Barış Salihoğlu of the Middle East Technical University Climate Center stated that the primary source of this pollution is land-based activities, with much of the waste being carried into the sea via rivers.

Ocean currents, specifically the Little Asian Current, transport these plastics from east to west, spreading the impact across wider regions. Once in the water, plastics break down into macro, meso, and microplastics, which pose long-term threats to the marine ecosystem. Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, highlighted that these microplastics enter the food chain through marine life, creating significant risks for food security and public health.

Efforts are underway to develop digital twins of the seas and early warning systems to better predict and track the movement of pollutants. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change is currently working on marine monitoring and blue economy studies to address these environmental challenges.