Those who went swimming in Antalya swam among plastic waste! Critical warning from an expert

Plastic pollution on the Mediterranean coast has come to the fore again with images recorded at Kaş Public Beach in recent days. In the images taken underwater, it was seen that there were many small particles and larger wastes just under the water surface, and people were swimming among these wastes.

Prof., who was the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization between 2014 and 2018, and the 23rd term Hatay Deputy. Dr. Mustafa Öztürk pointed out that rains carry plastic pollution to the sea. Prof. stated that with the heavy rain in the Adana region, waste from facilities that store plastic waste in the open and from illegal dumping areas is washed into the sea. Dr. Öztürk said, "Most of the illegally dumped plastic waste and microplastics are carried to the sea in rainy weather. Plastic waste reaches Kaş Port."

Prof. shared the images of Kaş Public Beach on virtual media. Dr. Öztürk stated that there was plastic waste and microplastic pollution in the sea and warned that one should not swim in such waters. Prof. stated that plastic particles can be ingested while swimming and that the possibility of carrying disease-causing microorganisms should also be taken into consideration. Dr. Öztürk said that swimming in water contaminated with microplastics may pose a health risk.

'TOURISM WILL BE DAMAGED IN THE MEDITERRANEAN'

Referring to the importance of inspections regarding the working conditions of plastic waste recycling facilities, Prof. Dr. Öztürk stated that the open storage of waste and the uncontrolled spread of microplastics and wastewater into the environment should be prevented and said, "As long as plastic waste recycling facilities do not operate in accordance with EU norms, the Mediterranean will continue to be polluted with plastic waste and microplastics. Tourism in the Mediterranean will suffer serious damage."

Emphasizing that the source of pollution should be determined and prevented before it reaches the sea, Prof. Dr. Öztürk pointed out that cleaning works carried out only on the coasts will not be sufficient.

Prof. stated that approximately 4 million tons of plastic waste is generated annually in Türkiye and approximately 500 thousand tons of plastic waste is imported from European countries annually. Dr. Öztürk said that a significant part of the domestic waste goes to landfills. Prof. stated that the monthly average amount of plastic waste sent from European countries to Türkiye is 42 thousand 790 tons in 2025, and that the monthly average decreased to 1145 tons in June and July this year. Dr. Öztürk warned that if necessary precautions are not taken, Türkiye may become the plastic waste center of Europe.

HE HAD ALSO WARNED ABOUT KONYAALTI