With the Presidential Decisions published in the Official Gazette on 16 August 2026, designated marine areas in Fethiye-Kaş and the Northern Aegean were officially declared Marine National Parks.

Under Presidential Decision No. 11626, the marine area off the coasts of Fethiye and Kaş was designated as the Fethiye-Kaş Marine National Park, while Presidential Decision No. 11627 granted Marine National Park status to the designated marine area within the provincial boundaries of Çanakkale and Tekirdağ, establishing the Northern Aegean Marine National Park.

These decisions represent an important step for the protection of Türkiye’s seas and mark the beginning of a new phase in the conservation of the country’s marine areas.

Fethiye-Kaş: An Important Area for Marine Biodiversity

At Mediterranean Conservation, our long-standing work in Fethiye-Göcek and the surrounding areas has enabled us to monitor different components of the region’s marine ecosystem. Our long-term field studies have provided us with first-hand insight into the area’s importance for marine biodiversity, particularly due to the sensitive habitats and species it supports.

In the region, we conduct scientific monitoring of seagrass meadows, Mediterranean monk seals, fish biomass and invasive species, while also tracking changes in seawater temperature. In addition, we work to reduce human-induced pressures on marine ecosystems, particularly those caused by anchoring, and support conservation efforts in collaboration with a range of stakeholders. We also contribute to the development and implementation of management plans for Special Environmental Protection Areas by sharing our scientific knowledge and field experience with relevant public authorities.

The declaration of the Fethiye-Kaş and Northern Aegean Marine National Parks presents a new opportunity for the long-term conservation of these important marine ecosystems.

Protected Status Is an Important Starting Point

Granting legal protection status to a marine area is an important step towards conserving biodiversity. However, for protected areas to deliver tangible ecological benefits, legal designation must be supported by effective implementation on the ground.

Science-based management, long-term monitoring, effective enforcement and the participation of local stakeholders are among the key components required to ensure the sustainability of marine protected areas.

At Mediterranean Conservation, we believe that declaring marine protected areas is only the beginning. Ensuring their effective management and translating conservation objectives into tangible action on the ground are equally important. Our years of scientific monitoring and conservation work demonstrate not only why an area needs protection, but also why conservation must be approached as a long-term and integrated process.

We welcome the declaration of the Fethiye-Kaş and Northern Aegean Marine National Parks as an important development for the conservation of Türkiye’s marine biodiversity. Going forward, we will continue to follow the development of management and implementation mechanisms for these areas; contribute our scientific knowledge and field experience to the work of relevant public authorities; integrate local knowledge and experience into conservation processes; and support the participation of local communities across different age groups and backgrounds in marine conservation efforts.