Gökoğlu, in his statement to the AA correspondent regarding the plastic and floating waste pollution on the sea surface and on the shores, said that we are living in an age where plastic use is widespread, therefore one of the biggest problems of this century is plastic pollution.
Emphasizing that plastic use should be reduced, Gökoğlu stated that waste causes problems in sewage networks and treatment facilities and makes treatment difficult.
Gökoğlu continued as follows:
"One of the biggest drawbacks of microplastics is that microorganisms stick to them, they may even contain nuclear waste. In other words, they can also be highly polluting wastes. These can also pose a risk for our people. Since microorganisms also cling to the first contact, there are small children, elderly people and people who cannot swim on the shores where there are waves. Therefore, it may pose a risk for them. Itching, burning, infection, some symptoms may occur when children swallow. It also poses a risk for marine creatures. "Sea creatures also swallow some of them. They have negative effects on sea grasses, algae, fish, all living creatures in the sea."
Gökoğlu made the following assessment regarding the causes of pollution seen on the Mediterranean coast:
"The north wind did not blow in Antalya this year. The breeze is always blowing from the south. Since the north winds do not blow, when we consider the main current in the sea, the wastes of countries such as Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt also come to our Anatolian coasts with the wind. While it is directed westward with the main current, it passes through the Anatolian coasts. Therefore, since the north winds do not blow, it blows from the south, so their plastics also came to our shores. This also has an effect. This year, the summer season is ending, "We have passed half of August, but we could not find clear water in the sea. The reason is that the breeze is constantly blowing and it puts pressure on our coasts. That is why we cannot see clear water on the shores. The Mediterranean has started to lose its clarity."
"The seabed is just as dirty as the surface."
Stating that the seabed is as dirty as the surface, Gökoğlu stated that every time he dived with his underwater team, they came out with two sacks of plastic waste in Konyaaltı, and that they were saddened by the sight.
Pointing out that greenhouse waste is also effective in pollution, Gökoğlu said, "We see all the waste from greenhouses, even the plastic sheets they spread on the bottom, at the water's edge. Ultimately, these break down in the sun, go to the sea with rain and streams, and microplastics are formed." he said.
Underlining that penalties should be increased and waste collected in fresh water resources should be collected from time to time to prevent microplastic and plastic pollution, Gökoğlu added that the issue of reducing plastic use should be taught in classes starting from primary school in order to raise this awareness at young ages.
Cleaning work continues
Sea surface cleaning works are continuing by the Turkish Environment Agency off the coast of Antalya.
With the sea sweeper, plastic pieces, packaging waste, foam, woody materials and other floating solid waste are collected from the sea surface.
