As the Mediterranean Conservation Society, we have concluded a year that includes new successful initiatives in Marine Protected Areas, in collaboration with all our stakeholders, alongside promising developments but also with concerns due to the increasing impacts of the global climate crisis. We are sharing a summary of the highlights from our activities in 2023 with our expanding work areas, growing team, and increased supporters.
- We have completed 10 years in the implementation of the Marine Ranger System, which we initiated for the first time in Marine Protected Areas in Turkey in 2013. You can watch the Marine Ranger film here.
- In 2023, our Marine Rangers covered 10 different No-Take Fishing Zones, conducting 917 patrols, covering a distance of 10,643.09 km in a total of 1,792.13 hours. During these activities, they identified a total of 179 illegal activities, including 97 cases of illegal fishing, and reported them to the authorities. In 2024, we will initiate regular patrols with our station established in the Datça-Bozburun Special Environmental Protection Area.
- The Goldman Environmental Prize, also known as the Green Nobel, awarded annually to individuals who stand out for their successful environmental work in six geographical regions worldwide, was given to our Chairman of the Board, Zafer Kızılkaya, this year.
- As a result of our efforts for sandbar shark conservation, the Boncuk Cove Important Shark Area (ISRAs) within the Gökova Bay, based on our proposal, was designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Gökova Bay is now officially recognized as a relevant area. The protection of these areas is crucial for maintaining the balance and integrity of marine ecosystems.
- In 2023, through 4 underwater and 3 coastal clean-up events, we supported the removal of 11.4 tons of waste from the sea and over 9 tons from coastal ecosystems, promoting recycling.
- 256 children living in our working areas had the opportunity to get to know the ecosystems of their region closely and learn how to protect endangered species and their habitats.
- Representatives from 12 different countries working in nature conservation visited our working areas to gain insights into our activities and observe our programs closely. During these visits, we shared the knowledge and experiences we gained from our work with the participants.
- The Small-Scale Fisheries Forum organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean took place in Akyaka under our hosting.
- We removed 4.1 tons of invasive and foreign fish from the Mediterranean ecosystem, procuring them from small-scale fishermen belonging to 9 different cooperatives, and facilitated the consumption of these fish in 27 restaurants.
- The Monitoring Committee of the Gökova Special Environmental Protection Area Management Plan held its first meeting with the participation of representatives responsible for the governance of the region. An assessment of the activities targeted in the Management Plan was conducted, taking an important step towards effective protection.
- As the Mediterranean Conservation Society, we initiated a project for the conservation of the Gökçe Wetland Area located in the Gökova Bay, where we have been conducting monitoring and protection activities for many years. Within the scope of the project, the species inventory of the region and the problems it faces will be prioritized.
- Under our protocol with Dokuz Eylül University Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, we continued to support the cleanup of underwater archaeological excavation sites this year.
- In the light of our activities over the past 10 years in 2023, we updated the Vision, Mission, and Values of our Association. You can review them here.
In 2024, we will continue to work to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Mediterranean coastline.