Investigation of benthic marine litter in the Yumurtalık Fishing Port

Marine litter, which can be seen in almost all seas in recent years, is a serious problem for the environment. Similarly, the same problem also exists in Turkey's seas. This study was carried out in 4 different areas, each of which is 100m², in the Yumurtalik Fishing Port in Iskenderun Bay. Marine litter was removed from the seabed by diving in these selected areas in April 2016 and June 2017. In the study, a total of 157.2 kg of rubber (49.5%), 118.9 kg of glass (37.4%), 21.61 kg of plastic (6.8%) and 19.94 kg of metal (6.3%) marine litter were detected and removed. It was determined that the marine litter extracted in 2017 was less by weight compared to 2016 (p<0.05). Although collecting marine litter from underwater reduces their amount, it appears to occur again the next year. Our result shows that different solutions should be produced to reduce marine litter.