Turkey launches marine protection project in Fethiye

Turkey’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has launched the ‘Map-Buoy Management Systems Project’ in the Göcek-Dalaman bays to protect marine ecosystems. This initiative is part of the ‘Zero Waste Blue’ project, which is held under the auspices of Emine Erdoğan.

The project aims to protect seagrass meadows, often referred to as the ‘forests of the sea,’ from damage caused by boat anchors. To manage this, the DERIA Göcek Gulf Digital Map-Buoy Management System has been established to monitor boat density and usage duration, preventing bays from being used excessively for long-term accommodation.

Environmental maintenance efforts include daily cleaning patrols using the TÜÇA91 sea sweeper and waste collection services via the DERIA vessel. Boat owners can reserve waste collection services through the DERIA system. Currently, the operation utilizes 14 mooring boats, 4 marine inspection boats, 1 service boat, and 1 waste collection ship to support environmental sustainability in the Fethiye Gulf.