Page 9 - Zero Waste - September 2025

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WASTE NEWS 9

Sea Grasses and Marine Meadows

ARE BREATHING LIFE INTO THE MARMARA SEA

The General Directorate of Nature Conservation, under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, is
implementing innovative projects to restore and enhance the marine ecosystem as part of ongoing efforts to combat marine litter
in the Marmara Sea. Special measures have been taken to protect seagrasses—often referred to as the lungs of the sea—which

can produce between 4 and 20 liters of oxygen per square meter through photosynthesis, and the endangered pina mussels, which
filter and purify six liters of seawater per hour.

Monitoring Tagged Pina Mussels

Building on last year’s MAR-ÇAYIR and MAR-PİNA projects, con-
ducted in collaboration with Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, the
Ministry has launched the ÇAYIR-İZ and PİNA-İZ monitoring initia-
tives this year. Under the ÇAYIR-İZ Project, the ecological condition
of seagrass beds is assessed regularly through scientific monitoring at
eight stations.
Pina Mussel Populations Monitored at Seven
Stations

The PİNA-İZ Project focuses on the world’s only healthy population of
pina mussels, located in the Marmara Sea. All mussels within a 200-squ-
are-meter area—including Erdek Bay, a habitat rich in new individuals,
and nearby sandy habitats—have been tagged. Monthly monitoring tracks
their growth, larval abundance, recruitment of new individuals, and overall
health. Additionally, seven representative stations across the Marmara Sea
will monitor population health, mortality rates, recruitment, and potential
improvements in environmental conditions.
Minister Kurum: “We Are Contributing
Biologically to the Fight Against Mucilage”

Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum
shared a video on his social media account, stating:

"Mussels and seagrass are breathing life into the Marmara Sea. Pina mus-
sels filter six liters of seawater per hour, while seagrasses produce up to 20
liters of oxygen per square meter. Through our ÇAYIR-İZ and PİNA-İZ
projects, we are closely monitoring these organisms to boost their popu-
lations and provide a biological contribution to combating mucilage."

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