Promising development for the Sea of Marmara: Seagrasses have spread, noble pen shells have returned

A diving study conducted in Tuzla has pointed to positive developments for the Sea of Marmara. In examinations led by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı, a faculty member at the Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University Faculty of Maritime Studies, seagrasses native to the Marmara and individual noble pen shells were filmed once again.

SEAGRASSES ARE SPREADING TO NEW AREAS

During the dive carried out off the coast of the Tuzla Sailing and Water Sports Club in the Postane neighborhood, it was determined that seagrasses, previously seen only in limited areas, have spread to different locations. Prof. Sarı stated that at a depth of 2 to 5 meters, both adult and juvenile noble pen shells were recorded alongside Zostera marina and Cymodocea nodosa species in two separate zones.

JUVENILE NOBLE PEN SHELLS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT IN WATER QUALITY

Speaking in an assessment after the dive, Prof. Dr. Sarı said that the presence of seagrasses indicates that the coastal ecosystem has begun to recover. Emphasizing that the sighting of juvenile noble pen shells within the seagrass beds is directly related to the increase in water quality, Sarı said, "This means the region is reviving and returning to life."

MAYOR JOINS THE DIVING TEAM

Responding to the call of Prof. Dr. Sarı, Tuzla Mayor Eren Ali Bingöl also took part in the diving team. Bingöl evaluated the scene observed underwater as a reflection of the municipality's environmental policies in the field.

Stating that verbal statements alone are not sufficient, Bingöl described the sighting of seagrasses and noble pen shells as a concrete indicator. "If there is evidence that marine pollution has been prevented, we have seen one of those pieces of evidence with our own eyes today. This has made us incredibly proud," he said.

TREATED WATER IS NO LONGER DISCHARGED INTO THE SEA

Mayor Bingöl stated that the direct discharge of water from advanced biological treatment into the sea has been prevented. Noting that as a result of negotiations with İSKİ, treated water has begun to be used for park irrigation and street cleaning, Bingöl expressed that this practice both saves water and reduces the pressure on the sea.

Pointing out that illegal discharges are one of the greatest threats to marine life, Bingöl said that a comprehensive inspection is being carried out against uncontrolled dumping into stream beds using camera systems, solar-powered lighting, and municipal police tracking of vacuum trucks. He stated that these efforts have significantly reduced illegal discharges.

CHEMICAL-LADEN SLUDGE NO LONGER REACHES THE STREAM

Reminding that chemical-laden sludge accumulating in ponds located in the Organized Industrial Zone was carried to the sea during rainy periods, Bingöl stated that with the work carried out, this pollution is now directed to treatment facilities via collectors and no longer flows into the stream.

Prof. Dr. Sarı emphasized that the sea responds directly to interventions, saying, "As good is done, the sea heals." Stating that the seas are of vital importance for human life, Sarı reminded that a significant portion of oxygen is provided by the seas.

Stating that they set three main goals when taking office—the odor problem, pollution, and sea cleanliness—Mayor Bingöl summarized the current situation with the words, "We are very pleased to see positive developments in all three of these areas today."

News Source: İHA