27.08.2026 11:40
While pollution in the coastal area of the Marmara Sea on the İstanbul Yeşilköy shore draws attention, it was observed that citizens, including groups with children, entered the sea to cool off despite the "Swimming prohibited" signs.
Pollution in the coastal area of the Marmara Sea on the Yeşilköy shore in Istanbul draws attention, while citizens, including groups with children, were seen entering the sea to cool off despite the "Swimming is prohibited" signs.
WASTE IN THE SEA WASHED ASHORE
On the Yeşilköy shore, algae growth in the coastal part of the Marmara Sea, waste accumulations on the sea surface, and noticeable pollution were captured from the air and land. In the images, algae growth and various wastes accumulating on the sea surface, especially near the shore, were observed, while wastes carried to the shore by waves also drew attention. Despite the warning signs on the shore, some citizens were seen entering the sea with their children.
"THEIR INSISTENCE HERE IS VERY STRANGE"
Hasan Uğur Yüksel, who said he came to the shore to rest, stated that he thinks the area could pose a risk, especially for children, saying, "I am a born and raised Istanbuli. I have never swum in the sea at Menekşe Beach. It is truly dangerous to enter here. There is also a sign, especially small children are entering. Even though we have so many coasts, it is very strange that they insist on coming here. Unless people see cleanliness with their own eyes, they believe it and enter."
MILLION LIRA FINE TO IMM
While the density of people swimming in the sea during the summer months on the Yeşilköy and Menekşe shores on Istanbul's Marmara Sea coast drew attention, problems related to sea pollution in the region had come to the agenda before. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change had imposed a fine of 1 million 678 thousand TL, double the penalty, on İSKİ, affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, which was found to have discharged illegal wastewater into the sea from the rainwater line at Yeşilköy Fishery Shelter, due to pollution within the Special Environmental Protection Zone.
MINISTRY IS EXAMINING
According to the statements made by the Ministry of Health through the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate, water samples are taken from swimming areas every 15 days during the swimming season. While samples are analyzed in Public Health Laboratories, the results are used to evaluate the risks that swimming water may pose and to take necessary measures. The Ministry states that citizens can access up-to-date information about swimming areas through the "Swimming Water Tracking System".
EXPERTS WARNED
The Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate states that swimming areas can be closed when swimming water analysis results are not suitable, and that warnings such as "Do Not Swim", "Swimming Is Prohibited" or "Swimming Area Is Closed" should be taken into account. It is also emphasized that children, in particular, should enter the sea under the supervision of their parents.