# Turkey-Greece maritime dispute over marine parks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-greece-maritime-dispute-over-marine-parks
> Updated: 2026-08-18T05:04:48.000Z. Sources: 99. Developments: 2.

Turkey has established two new marine national parks via presidential decree, covering significant areas in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, including waters near the Greek islands of Kastellorizo, Samothrace, and Lemnos. Turkish authorities state the parks are intended to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

Greece has formally condemned the decision, labeling the parks illegal and asserting that the designated areas extend into international waters and the Greek continental shelf, violating the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Greek officials argue that Turkey cannot unilaterally create protected areas outside its jurisdiction to establish new legal facts.

Political tension in Greece has intensified, with opposition parties like PASOK calling for the European Union to impose sanctions on Turkey and urging the government to avoid concessions. Analysts suggest the move is linked to Turkey’s ‘Blue Homeland’ doctrine, which aims to assert maritime claims in the region.

## Claims

- Turkey has declared two national marine parks in sensitive areas of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The marine parks are connected to Turkey's Blue Homeland doctrine and Maritime Spatial Planning. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The PASOK party demands the Greek government maintain national red lines and seek EU sanctions against Turkey. (single source)
- Turkish diplomatic sources claim the new marine parks are consistent with international law. (single source)
- The Turkish marine parks encompass areas of the Greek continental shelf, EEZ, and territorial waters. (single source)
- Presidential decrees issued on August 15th institutionalized the marine parks in Turkey. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Turkey declares marine parks in Aegean, sparking tension with Greece

Turkey's declaration of two national marine parks in the Aegean has heightened tensions with Greece, sparking calls from the Greek opposition for decisive action and EU sanctions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-declares-marine-parks-in-aegean-sparking-tension-with-greece

### 2026-08-15: Turkey declares new marine national parks, sparking Aegean dispute

Turkey has declared two new national marine parks in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, sparking a diplomatic dispute with Greece over maritime sovereignty and international law.

98 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-establishes-maritime-parks-in-aegean-and-eastern-mediterranean

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Cite as: Turkey-Greece maritime dispute over marine parks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-greece-maritime-dispute-over-marine-parks