Türkiye removes 325,000 tons of waste from seas in cleanup drive

Türkiye’s ambitious marine protection campaign has yielded significant results, with 325,000 tons of waste removed from the seas across 28 coastal provinces, according to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change’s 2025 Annual Activity Report. The operations, conducted under the Zero Waste Blue initiative launched in 2019 under the auspices of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, combine field cleanups with education and awareness efforts to tackle pollution at its source.

Expanded monitoring and seafloor cleanup

Monitoring efforts in the Marmara Sea have intensified, with the number of observation points rising to 150. All wastewater treatment plants with a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters or more are now under round-the-clock online surveillance. In the Gulf of Izmit, 1.85 million square meters of marine area were surveyed, leading to the removal of 1.62 million cubic meters of bottom sediment—a project described as one of Europe’s largest environmental and maritime undertakings.

Combating land-based pollution

A significant portion of marine waste originates inland, carried to the sea through streams and urban drainage. Authorities are currently mapping waterways to identify pollution hotspots. In Istanbul, cleanup operations continue at river and stream mouths, while lakes Terkos, Büyükçekmece, and Küçükçekmece—critical water sources—have been designated sensitive areas requiring special protection. Wind patterns are also analyzed to predict waste accumulation zones along the coast, enabling more efficient cleanup deployments.

Addressing maritime sources

Shipping and fishing activities contribute to seabed pollution through discarded tires, abandoned fishing gear, and vessel-related waste. The Zero Waste Blue initiative targets these sources alongside land-based pollution, reflecting a comprehensive approach to marine conservation. Türkiye’s efforts set an example for sustainable environmental stewardship, reinforcing the country’s commitment to preserving its seas for future generations while maintaining the natural beauty of its coastline.