Thanks to the buoys placed in the nature park, the spread of invasive sea grapes will be prevented while Neptune seagrass and biodiversity are protected

Within the “Marine Invasive Alien Species Project” (MarIAS), a new initiative has been launched in the Ayvalık Islands Nature Park to protect Neptune seagrass, known as the "lungs of the sea" because of their ability to generate oxygen, and prevent the spread of the invasive sea grapes. As part of the activities of the “Ayvalık Islands Nature Park Marine Area Management Plan”, which includes region-specific measures to combat invasive alien species, the installation of a boat mooring system consisting of 50 vaulted buoys was completed on 16 September 2024 and the buoys started to be used by visiting boats.

Thanks to the long-lasting, 5-ton boat mooring system placed in the nature park, the destruction of the seabed and Neptune seagrass caused by anchoring will be prevented, as visitors will be encouraged to tie their boats to the buoys instead of anchoring on the seagrass. The use of buoys will also provide operational convenience for boats, thus creating benefits for both the environment and visitors to the region.

The nature park covering 19 of the Ayvalık Islands has a total area of ​​17,950 hectares, and its marine area has a rich biological diversity. The most important invasive species within the nature park borders is the sea grape (Caulerpa cylindracea). Sea grapes settle especially in areas where Neptune seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) have been destroyed, preventing the seagrass from growing. Neptune seagrass, described as “the lungs of the Mediterranean”, constitute the most productive areas for marine life. They play an important role in ensuring the continuity of fish stocks and keeping the oxygen balance in the sea. Therefore, preventing the spread of sea grapes is of great importance for the protection of Neptune seagrass and biodiversity. 

“We are increasing the resilience of our local ecosystems by making investments that will improve our capacity to combat invasive alien species that come to our region from other seas,” said UNDP Project Manager Mehmet Gölge. “I believe that this activity in Ayvalık is a good example of how careful and sensitive we should be in our relationship with nature. As humans, we should take into account how even the slightest of our actions affect nature, identify the damage we cause, compensate for it, and work meticulously to preserve the balance of the ecosystem.” 

Within the “Ayvalık Islands Nature Park Marine Area Management Plan” activities, local people, civil society organizations and other relevant institutions are also informed about the importance of Neptune seagrass, the damages of sea grapes and their effects on the Neptune seagrass. Information materials, boards and posters were prepared to raise awareness on these issues. 

The “Marine Invasive Alien Species Project” is carried out by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the financial support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The initiative aims to increase the resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems through strengthened capacities and investments in the prevention, detection, control and management of invasive alien species.

The project is working in four pilot regions, representing one area from each sea in Türkiye. These pilot regions are İğneada Longoz Forests National Park in Kırklareli, Ayvalık Islands Nature Park and Southern Marmara Islands in Balıkesir, and Samandağ in Hatay.

Preparation and implementation of management plans for invasive alien species in these 4 pilot regions are carried out together with the Nature Research Society.