Our seas are in danger

Turkey's seas are under increasingly heavy pressure due to the effects of climate change. According to experts, rising seawater temperatures, more frequent marine heatwaves, pollution, habitat destruction, and the spread of invasive species have become a major environmental problem that must be addressed collectively rather than individually.

June 8, World Oceans Day, came to the agenda this year with discussions on record temperatures, rising sea levels, and the degradation of marine ecosystems. It is also noted that the expected strong El Niño effect could increase climate pressure on oceans and seas.

The fact that Turkey will host COP31 is seen as an important opportunity to bring these problems in the seas to the international agenda. Turkey and Australia, which will chair the negotiations, include oceans and coastal systems among the priorities of the summit to be held in Antalya.

ADAPTATION WARNING FOR COASTAL CITIES

Istanbul University faculty member and President of the Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TÜDAV) Prof. Dr. Bayram Öztürk stated that the Mediterranean Basin has become a critical hotspot in terms of marine biodiversity. Öztürk said that plankton blooms, changes in fish migration, shifts in spawning periods, new jellyfish, and harmful fish coming from tropical waters are now among the "new normals."

According to Öztürk, seawater temperature in the Mediterranean has increased by approximately 1.5 degrees in the last 50 years. Rising sea levels also create new risks for coastal cities. Öztürk emphasized that all settlements on the coast, especially Istanbul, must prepare detailed adaptation plans.

Ege University faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. İnci Tüney also stated that the most critical issues for Turkey's seas are the increase in seawater temperatures, marine heatwaves, and the spread of invasive species. Tüney stated that the way to increase the resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems is to reduce human-induced pressures such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction.

According to Tüney, the spread of Lessepsian species entering the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal is accelerating with warming seas. Species such as pufferfish and lionfish affect not only local biodiversity but also the fishing economy. For this reason, it is stated that Turkey should advocate for global climate finance to be directed to fragile regions like the Mediterranean for marine restoration and protected area management.

The common message of the experts is clear: The protection of the seas must be at the center of not only climate policies but also coastal planning, fishing, pollution control, and biodiversity management.