A dedicated team of local fishermen and conservationists in Turkiye, with support from an international nonprofit, have succeeded in tripling the protected seascapes along 300 miles of the country’s Mediterranean coastline, restoring critical marine habitats and boosting biodiversity.
- Tripled protected marine areas between 2019 and 2023
- Illegal fishing reduced by 80% through local rangers
- Return of key species like sandbar sharks and monk seals
What happened
Between 2019 and 2023, local environmentalists and fishing communities along Turkiye’s Mediterranean coast teamed up with the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Program (ELSP), a nonprofit initiative funded by the UK’s Arcadia Fund, to expand marine protection across 310 miles of coastline. Using a $3 million grant, they worked to increase the area of legally protected zones from six smaller marine protected areas into a connected network, tripling the extent of protected seascapes.
Their strategy focused on creating multiple no-fishing zones that preserved vital habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass meadows while involving locals as ‘marine rangers’ to enforce protections. This approach addressed prior challenges like limited enforcement and disconnected protected areas, ultimately leading to significant declines in illegal fishing and the gradual return of key marine species.
Why it feels good
This success story stands out for its community-driven approach, led by local conservationist Zafer Kızılkaya, who previously demonstrated that well-managed protected areas can revitalize fish stocks and ecosystems. By engaging skeptical fishermen with firsthand evidence of recovery from earlier efforts in Gökova Bay, the project fostered broad local support and ownership.
The result is a thriving marine ecosystem that benefits both nature and people. Illegal fishing dropped by roughly 80%, enabling the comeback of species like sandbar sharks and endangered Mediterranean monk seals, which now find safe refuge year-round along Turkiye’s coasts. This not only restores biodiversity but improves livelihoods through healthier fisheries.
What to enjoy or watch next
With this expanded network of marine protected areas, Turkiye’s Mediterranean coast stands as a model for community-led marine conservation that other countries might follow. Ongoing monitoring by local marine rangers and conservation groups will be key to maintaining these gains and adapting protection as needed.
Visitors to the region can look forward to richer underwater experiences thanks to restored coral reefs and abundant marine life, supporting eco-tourism and raising awareness about the importance of ocean stewardship. Tracking the continuing recovery of charismatic species like the monk seal will offer encouraging signs of nature’s resilience when people unite to protect it.