The 2nd Phase of the Marmara Islands Artificial Reef Project, where 400 artificial reef blocks will be released to the sea, started with the cooperation of Balıkesir University, Department of Zoology.
The project, which will give life to the aquatic ecosystem in the Marmara Islands, aims to increase and support the production of resources. Marmara Islands Artificial Reef Project, where 2 artificial reef blocks will be placed on the sea floor; It will create new living spaces that will allow aquatic creatures to shelter, feed and reproduce. It will contribute to the protection of sensitive ecosystems and fishing activities in the region.
2nd Phase Studies of the Project are Carried Out in Cooperation with Balıkesir University
The second phase of the Marmara Islands Artificial Reef Project started in March with the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The project owner Gündoğdu Village Improvement and Beautification Association cooperated with Balıkesir University for the second phase studies. Scientific research conducted by the Faculty of Science and Letters, Department of Biology, Zoology Department of the University, Faculty Member Assoc. Dr. Under the leadership of Dilek Türker, it is carried out by Biologist Kadriye Zengin and Fisheries Engineer Abdülkadir Ünal.
The first of the sampling studies to be carried out in 4 different seasons took place on 6-7 March. Balıkesir University Faculty Member Assoc. Dr. Dilek Türker: “In the Marmara Islands Artificial Reef Project, we carried out the first of the sampling studies that we will do in four different seasons with elongation and trawl nets in two of the artificial reef areas selected at most one mile from the natural reefs, before the reefs are thrown. We carried out the first classification of the samples in Marmara Island, Gündoğdu Village. Unfortunately, the very small prey size of the species we have obtained indicates that there is a very serious prey pressure in the vicinity. Marine litter is also a very serious problem in this region. Although the size of the species we obtained during sampling is very small; Diplodus annularis, Mullus barbatus (Red mullet), Mullus surmuletus (Red mullet), Triglia lucerna (Swallow), Sparidae (Sea snails), Serranus scriba (Hani Fish), Conus sp (Sea snails), a team attached to a trawl net We came across a few crustaceans from the class Anthozoa (Coral), Scophthalmidae (Shield Family), Scorpaena porcus (Scurvy), Asteroidea (Sea stars), and Crustacea (Crustaceans), and a lobster. We will conduct stock determination analyzes of regions by sampling demersal and pelagic species diversity with our scientific research, the first sampling of which was carried out on March 6-7. In order to have information about the biological characteristics of the species, we will record some parameters, make determinations with two-sided method, and subject them to statistical processes. With these procedures, we will learn about the sexual maturity of the species, how old it is and prey pressure. We will make a stock determination by subjecting all the information we have obtained to statistical evaluations. " said.
The First Studies of the Project were Held with Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University
The preliminary study report of the Marmara Islands Artificial Reef Project, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMÜ), Underwater Research and Application Center, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Adnan Ayaz, Prof. Dr. Uğur Altınağaç and Gökçeada School of Applied Sciences Faculty Member Assoc. Dr. Prepared by Deniz Acarlı in October 2020. While conducting dives to scan the region to prepare the preliminary study report, ÇOMU academicians do scientific research; The preliminary study report prepared for the official permits of the 6 region was sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
The Ministry has approved only the Marmara Islands Artificial Reef Project among the thirty artificial reef projects that have requested permission. In the project, where there are 6 locations in total, there will be 400 reef blocks in each location and a total of 2 reef blocks.
The project has another great aim!
Artificial Reef Implementation, Monitoring and Development Guide Based on Scientific Data One of the important aims of the project is to create a guiding resource based on scientific data that can guide other artificial reef studies to be carried out in our country. It will present all the steps that need to be applied from the beginning to the end with scientific data.
Within the scope of the Marmara Islands Artificial Reef Project, a total of 6 years of measurement and evaluation studies will be carried out and reported, before and after the artificial reefs are released to the sea. In the light of all recorded data, an artificial reef application, monitoring and development guide will be created. This guide is aimed to be a reference for both bureaucracy, universities, scientists and entrepreneurs for Artificial Reef projects in our country.
The project receives great support from the public and local people
The project, which attracts the attention of the people of the region, reaches the public through social media and continues to raise awareness. It is possible to reach all the developments about the project from @marmaraadalariyapayressiveler account on social media channels.
Marmara Island Geographical, Historical, Marine Structure and Transportation
The Marmara Islands are a group of islands connected to Balıkesir, located in the southwest of the Marmara Sea. It is located at the point that will be the main base of sea transportation between Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits, 40 nautical miles from Çanakkale Strait, 60 nautical miles from Istanbul Strait and 11 nautical miles from Thrace Hasköy Cape. Marmara Island, named after marble and Marmor, is 709.65m from the sea. With its height and area of 117 km2, it is the largest and most strategic of the island community. 2,5 hours by sea bus to Istanbul, 5 hours by ship; It is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Erdek by ship.
The first settlement on the Marmara Island was by Miletus in ancient times. The settlement on the island, which is connected with the sea colonies, has been continuing with the Turks since the 15th century. The island, whose ancient name is Prokonnesos, has been used in Roman and Byzantine Empire structures due to the marble beds that form its natural structure since ancient times, and the marbles of mosques and palaces were provided from here in the Ottoman period. Currently, the largest share of marble production in the country belongs to Marmara Island.
Today, one of the main sources of income for the people of the region is fishing. Since the Marmara Sea contains a mixture of the climate characteristics of the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea, it is a shelter for fish migrating from the Black Sea and Aegean Sea according to the seasons. The main migratory fish species, bonito, bluefish, mackerel, mackerel, toric, haddock, anchovies, sardines, etc. The important fish species that do not change places according to the seasons are silver, tabby, tongue, kitty, mullet, wort, cupola, bream, coral, red mullet, scorpionfish, alyanac, and turbot. The population and ecosystem of the species in the Marmara Sea are under threat due to urban development, sea traffic and waste.
Be the first to comment