Protection of the Marmara Sea and Islands by the Ministry

The boundaries of the Special Environmental Protection Area of the Sea of Marmara and the Islands have been redefined. Reports prepared with the contributions of 37 scientists, based on examinations conducted at 104 stations on land and at sea, included sensitive ecosystem areas such as Bandırma-Yenice Village, Kumkent, Kumkale Delta, and Uçmakdere in the protection area. The decision was published in the Official Gazette.

Following the mucilage crisis that emerged in the Sea of Marmara in 2021, an “Action Plan for the Sea of Marmara” was prepared. Within the framework of this action plan, an area of 1.2 million hectares was declared as the “Special Environmental Protection Area of the Sea of Marmara and the Islands” in November 2021. Immediately following this decision, efforts were mobilized for mucilage cleaning in the Sea of Marmara. Significant environmental projects, such as the bottom sludge cleaning project, were implemented in the İzmit Gulf.

Endemic species were identified one by one.

After the Special Environmental Protection Area declaration, 15 academics affiliated with Istanbul University’s Faculty of Aquatic Sciences conducted the “Terrestrial-Coastal and Marine Biological Diversity Research Project” at 14 stations, while 22 academics from regional universities conducted research at 90 stations. Scientists identified 815 plant species, 9 of which are endemic, 10 protected reptile species, and 51 mammal species on the islands in the Marmara Region. Additionally, 27 bird species were identified on the Princes’ Islands, 50 on Marmara Island, 36 on the Kapıdağ Peninsula, 25 on Paşalimanı, Koyun, and Avşa Islands, and 26 on Ekinlik Island.

Biological corridor

It was stated that due to the region’s international scope, which includes the “Sea of Marmara, the Islands, and the Turkish Straits System,” its rich flora and fauna are of great significance for the biodiversity of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The scientific data revealed once again that it is one of the rare areas that need protection due to its characteristic as a biological corridor. It was documented through scientific reports that the marine and island ecosystems complement each other and that the importance of coastal ecosystems is recognized.

Published in the Official Gazette

With the new results, the decision signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was published today in the Official Gazette, expanding the boundaries of the Special Environmental Protection Area of the Sea of Marmara and the Islands.

4 areas included in the special environmental protection area

According to the new decision, a 485-hectare forest area in Bandırma-Yenice village of Balıkesir, a 195-hectare area in the Kumkent region of Çanakkale, a 108-hectare area in the Kumkale Delta of Çanakkale, and a 138-hectare forest area in Uçmakdere of Tekirdağ have been included in the Special Environmental Protection Area.

Ministry follows up on the Sea of Marmara

With the Special Environmental Protection Area decision, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change will take protective measures to restore the ecosystem in the Sea of Marmara. It will continue scientific studies to ensure the continuity of the region’s unique vital cycle.