Turkey advances marine conservation through cleaning and artificial reefs

Efforts to protect marine ecosystems in Turkey have highlighted both waste removal and habitat restoration. In Bodrum, the municipality and Green Rangers diving team conducted a seabed cleaning operation in the Torba neighborhood. Divers recovered approximately 75 kilograms of waste, primarily consisting of glass, plastic, and metal, which was subsequently sent to a recycling center.

In the Saros Gulf, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ebubekir Gizligider announced significant progress in combating ghost nets. The ministry has scanned 991 million square meters of area, removing over 3.3 million square meters of ghost nets and approximately 9,000 fishing tools, an effort estimated to have saved 11 million aquatic creatures. Additionally, an artificial reef project was launched near Keşan to boost diving tourism and protect the ecosystem. The project features underwater models of historical Edirne landmarks, such as the Selimiye Mosque and the Historical Uzunköprü, to create a unique underwater cultural experience.