Life began in the artificial reefs that Mersin Metropolitan Municipality built with the 3D printer method, a first in Turkey, and released into the sea about 4 months ago. About 1.5 miles off the coast, 6 artificial reefs left at depths of 9 and 14 meters began to become feeding, sheltering and breeding points for sea creatures.
Artificial reefs, implemented by the Agricultural Services Department and logistically supported by the Environmental Protection and Control Department, are frequently checked by the divers working in the Fire Department.
Reefs will contribute to the revival of the deteriorated marine ecosystem
The artificial reefs, which will protect the marine ecosystem and increase the living population, were released into the sea on February 18. The reefs, which were left to a depth of 6 and 9 meters at the designated points, began to host many species. Artificial reefs left after a short period of 3 and a half months; began to host algae, crabs, octopus and various fish species. Thanks to artificial reefs, it is aimed to increase the living population in the Mersin sea and to reduce the damage caused by sea pollution due to climate change.
“Sea creatures are seen in abundance in this reef area”
Working as Underwater and Surface Search and Rescue Supervisor at the Disaster Search and Rescue Branch, Kasım Yıldız stated that they have been checking the reefs at regular intervals for 4 months and said, “We entered the 1st place yesterday. Today, we made our entrance to the 2nd reef area for routine control. We did our routine checks with a 6-meter dive yesterday, with a 30-minute dip, and today with a 9-minute dive at 20 meters. We have observed a life form on our reefs. Fish and sea creatures in the ecosystem are seen in abundance in this reef area. These make us happy. Our seas are the legacies we will leave for our future. We think that the formation of reefs in this way is beneficial for us and for the next generation.”
“We saw sea creatures such as octopus, sargos, sea bass, crabs, seaweed, and seashells”
Stating that they encounter new species at each check-up, Yıldız said, “During our dive today, we saw sea creatures such as octopus, sea bass and sea bass, crabs, algae, and seashells. These are increasing day by day. We did our shots. "Comparing with our previous shots, we saw that the fish population on the reef increased and the marine life became more lively," he said.
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