Plastic pollution affects Kazanlı-Tarsus coastline in Mersin

Significant plastic and nylon pollution has been reported along the coastline between Kazanlı and the Tarsus district in Mersin, Turkey. The accumulation of small plastic fragments and debris covers large sections of the shore, posing risks to marine life, birds, and human health.

Local observer Levent Sancak, documenting the situation while fishing, described the scene as a disaster and raised concerns regarding the source of the waste. Sancak suggested that the pollution might be entering the sea through streams or originating from nearby industrial zones. He noted that similar waste patterns had previously been observed at the Adanalıoğlu coast, indicating that the pollution may be carried into the ocean from inland sources rather than being discarded directly on the beach.

Calls have been made to authorities to investigate the source of the contamination, conduct field inspections, and increase inspections to protect the marine ecosystem and public health.