The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has launched into a significant initiative to deal with the proliferation of invasive Atlantic starfish in Turkish seas, encompassing the Marmara and Black Sea.
These predatory starfish species are more and more threatening marine biodiversity within the area.
Scientific analysis performed by the UNDP has uncovered the alarming unfold of Atlantic starfish all through the Mediterranean, with these invasive creatures swiftly adapting to the Turkish coastal surroundings. Of explicit concern is the starfish’s voracious urge for food for mussels, a vital marine useful resource in Türkiye’s coastal areas.
In a collaborative effort to fight this menace, the UNDP has joined forces with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Nature Conservation and National Parks Directorate. This partnership has given rise to the “Marine Invasive Alien Species Project,” generously supported by a $3.3 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
To draw consideration to the difficulty and lift consciousness in regards to the invasive species, a starfish assortment occasion was lately organized within the Marmara Sea.
Local divers enthusiastically participated in a pleasant match, vying to take away starfish from the shores of the Marmara Islands. The winners have been duly rewarded with priceless scuba diving tools, together with a scuba dive laptop, a dive bag and a dive torch.
“Alien marine invasive species pose an escalating threat to the biodiversity of Türkiye’s coastal regions, as well as to shellfish and aquaculture livelihoods. The effects of global warming exacerbate this risk,” emphasised UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton.
“Ultimately, addressing this problem will necessitate the development of international and regional agreements governing the operations of marine vessels and freighters. Such agreements are vital to prevent new threats from entering Turkish waters and to protect the fragile ecosystems of our seas,” Vinton additional famous.
The UNDP’s dedication to preserving the marine ecosystems of Turkish seas underscores the significance of collective efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity and make sure the sustainability of important marine assets for future generations.
Source: www.dailysabah.com