site.btaTurkish Environment Ministry Fines Izmir Metropolitan Municipality for Bay Pollution

The Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation has imposed a fine of TRY 1.8 million (USD 52,800) on the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality following an investigation into pollution and mass fish deaths in Izmir Bay, Turkish media reported on Wednesday.

The Aegean city is currently facing a worsening environmental crisis in its iconic bay.

The recent investigation revealed that two wastewater treatment plants under the municipality's jurisdiction were discharging contaminated water into the bay. As a result, the Ministry of Environment has filed a complaint with the Izmir Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor against those deemed responsible, according to the Anadolu Agency.

Preliminary findings by ministry officials show that ammonia levels in the bay, primarily originating from wastewater, were 50 times higher than the permissible limits. Furthermore, oxygen levels, which should typically be 6 milligrams per litre, had plummeted to 1.8 milligrams per litre, and in some areas, oxygen was nearly depleted, causing marine life to suffocate.

On September 9, the bay's waters turned a murky green and brown, with dozens of dead fish surfacing near the Aksoy neighborhood in the Karsiyaka district.

Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay said he could not promise that the water will be good for swimming any time soon but vowed to do everything within his powers to improve the situation, as reported by Hürriyet.

The fish deaths in the bay continue, emitting a strong odour in the area. Teams from the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality are working hard to collect the dead fish, the Anadolu Agency reported.