The Arkas TURMEPA II waste collection boat, which became operational within the scope of the project initiated 16 years ago in cooperation with Arkas Holding and TURMEPA, has completed its 16th season. The boat, which collected 120 thousand liters of waste from 370 boats in Cesme bays during the season, ensured that 960 thousand liters of sea water remained clean. Arkas and TURMEPA will continue to support sustainable marine tourism and to protect the habitat in the region.
A social responsibility project initiated in 2006 in cooperation with Arkas Holding and the Marine Clean Association/TURMEPA, Arkas TURMEPA II aims to protect Cesme bays in the Aegean from pollution. Built and operated by Arkas Holding, the ARKAS TURMEPA II waste collection boat has been bringing immense contribution to pollution prevention. The environmental sustainability report for 2022 was announced as part of the project. While the report included Arkas TURMEPA II’s waste collection activities, the boat’s contributions to the protection of habitat in Cesme bays were also reported in detail.
17 Million Liters of Sea Water Remained Clean in the Last 16 Years
Arkas TURMEPA II boat collected 120 thousand liters of waste from 370 boats in the summer season of 2022. In other words, the boat prevented black and gray water, at an amount equivalent to 6400 carboys in volume, from entering the sea. The amount of wastewater collected is equivalent to daily wastewater generation by 700 people. With the prevention of 120 thousand liters of wastewater from entering the sea, 960 thousand liters of sea water was kept clean. The amount of wastewater collected by the Arkas TURMEPA II waste reception boat has totaled 2 million 120 thousand liters since 2006. The project has kept 17 million liters of sea water clean.
The efforts of Arkas Holding and TURMEPA to protect the sea from pollution are also effective in the continuity of endangered creatures. Cesme coastal and marine areas are home to endangered species. Karaburun, which is the habitat of Mediterranean monk seals, also hosts species such as Island Seagull, Otter and Caracal. The fact that 100 individuals of the Mediterranean monk seals, which have a population of 600 in the world, live in Türkiye, increases the importance of the Arkas TURMEPA II project.
The protection of the seas, which absorb a large part of the global heat, from wastewater also plays a role in the conservation of the marine ecosystem. In addition, research indicates that seas produce 50-70 percent of the oxygen we need to live. This indicates that the Arkas Turmepa II waste collection boat and similar projects also contribute to the continuity of life on land.
Arkas TURMEPA II will continue to keep Cesme bays clean in the 2023 season.