The images reflected from Antalya Suluada, which is considered the “Maldives” of Turkey, have caused environmentalists to revolt and a new debate has started. While the boat invasion in the Aegean and Mediterranean bays increases sea pollution, a warning has been made that ecological destruction is on the way if urgent measures are not taken. Other than Adrasan, the places where boat invasions are experienced are Bodrum, Marmaris, Çeşme, Alanya, Fethiye, Ayvalık and the Bosphorus.
THE PROBLEM IS GROWING
It is estimated that there are 150 thousand boats of all sizes in Turkey. According to 2021 figures, there are nearly 4 thousand gulets and commercial yachts that can be used in the Aegean and Mediterranean; 2 thousand daily tourist tour boats, 500 private yachts; 13 thousand amateur motor and sailing boats over 9 meters and 2,400 commercial boats. The increasing number of boats causes serious pollution problems. While there are approximately 150 bays used by large tour boats on the coastline from Çanakkale to Antalya, these areas are virtually invaded by boats during the summer season.
MUST BE SOLAR POWERED
Experts state that the oil slick and foam reflected from the sea surface on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are caused by waste from boats and ships, and emphasize that the number of sea vehicles should be limited. Dr. Erol Kesici, Scientific Advisor of the Turkish Nature Conservation Association, commenting on the images reflected from Antalya Suluada, said, “It is not possible to say that the waste control of boats is fully implemented. One of the biggest reasons for pollution in the seas is boat invasion. Unfortunately, the pollution caused by boats is not insignificant. Instead of petroleum derivatives, these saddlers should switch to solar energy systems as soon as possible. Otherwise, we will lose the Aegean and the Mediterranean,” he said.
THE REASON FOR FAT LAYER
Drawing attention to the situation on the coasts of Istanbul and the Bosphorus, Dr. Kesici said, “Boats that are tied up haphazardly everywhere are washed with detergents by the personnel. Chemical products are thus dumped into the sea. If you see a rainbow-like color on the surface of the water when you enter the sea, know that it is caused by the waste of the boat ships. “The number of boats must definitely be restricted. We have lost the Marmara Sea, but at least let’s not harm the Aegean and Mediterranean. You cannot put 150 boats into a 500-meter bay. When you do this, your coasts will be ruined,” he said.
MUNICIPALITIES ARE RESPONSIBLE
Former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization Prof. Dr. Mustafa Öztürk emphasizes that wastewater, bilge and garbage from boats must be disposed of in accordance with the legislation in marinas and ports. Prof. Dr. Öztürk adds that serious liquid and solid wastes are generated on boats and says: “When there are no appropriate disposal methods, the places where boats dock are polluted. It is the responsibility of the municipalities to dispose of the waste and garbage from the boats. Many municipalities do not act sensitively. “There is an increase in soluble substance pollution from boats. Satellite tracking systems and very severe penal sanctions should be put on the agenda.”
INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS
On the other hand, Bandırma 17 Eylül University Maritime Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı is one of the names that draws attention to the heavy sanctions of the ‘World Maritime Organization’: “The discharge of cleaning materials into the seas without purification also causes environmental pollution. Not only bilge waste, but all waste accumulated on boats should not be released into the sea. Waste must be delivered to ports or marinas under appropriate and specified conditions. ‘The World Maritime Organization has very severe sanctions on this issue. “Boats should be strictly inspected”
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