Fethiye - Göcek is one of the 18 Special Environmental Protected Areas (SEPAs) in Turkey, as well as a marine protected area due to its natural, historic, and cultural significance. It is home to around 1500 species, including the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), Neptune Grass (Posidonia oceanica), and Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus). The No Fishing Zones in the gulf were announced on August 22, 2020 in Issue 31221 of the Official Gazette of the Turkish Republic.
The Mediterranean Conservation Society embarked on a joint effort with the authorities to launch the Marine Ranger System in 2019, with the aim of preventing harmful activities such as illegal fishing and sea pollution. Monitoring activities continue to track the efficiency of the system and NFZs, as well as obtain data on macroalgae, fish biomass, seawater temperature, and Monk seal sightings. Fishery cooperatives on the area aid with the recording of daily fishing data.
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