Marine Turtle Conservation in the Mediterranean Implementation of Recommendation No. 66 (1998) on the conservation status of some nesting beaches for marine turtles in Turkey DESTRUCTION OF SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACHES IN FETHIYE SPA, TURKEY T‐PVS Bureau Meeting ‐ 11 April 2011 Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention)
April 4th 2011 MEDASSET ‐ The Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles
Following MEDASSET’s complaint submitted to the Bern Convention Secretariat in August 2009 regarding the destruction of nesting beaches at Fethiye SPA due to development to accommodate tourism that has resulted in a severe decline of nest numbers (discussed at the Bureau Meeting in Sept. 2009, T‐PVS (2009) 12), and MEDASSET’s updates submitted to the Secretariat in March and September 2010 (discussed at the 2010 Standing Committee Meeting: T‐PVS/Files (2010) 8 and T‐PVS (2010) 25), we wish to draw your attention to the below recent development that is severely threatening the “Specially Protected” nesting beaches in Fethiye: Relocation of the shipyard/drydock, currently situated within Fethiye town, to Akgöl nesting beach (aka Karaot District) seems to be imminent. Initially, the selected location of the new drydock was inland, just behind the nesting beach. Recently the location was changed to the very middle of the Akgöl nesting beach (Fig. 1). Although this specific beach section is covered with pebbles, therefore no nesting has been recorded, both ends of the beach do host nests. During 2007 ‐ 2009, two‐thirds of all nests in Akgöl were laid next to the planned project area, i.e. on the sandy sections of the beach. In 2010, there were 36 nests at Akgöl, equivalent to almost half of all nests (73) laid at the entire beach stretch (i.e Yaniklar and Akgöl combined). As mentioned in MEDASSET’s complaint (August 2009) and the update submitted in September 2010, the project would permanently and irrevocably destroy the key nesting sites of Akgöl beach and affect the adjacent wetland, one of the last remaining in the area. This project can only mean the industrialization of the area which will affect the already declining nest numbers in Fethiye SPA, increase human presence on the beach, lead to the construction of new roads accessing the beach, a whole complex of new buildings, major lighting installations, structures in the sea to draw boats in and out of the water, mooring installations, noise, oil, solvent and paint pollution. The project will adversely affect the entire remaining sea turtle population attempting to nest at Akgöl, Yaniklar and Calis beaches, as well as the hatchlings produced. In Fig. 1 the major extension of the project inland is striking. The planned construction of a huge jetty and dockage installations in front of the shipyard will cause severe light pollution and vessel traffic that will affect the nesting population and hatchlings. The jetty will inevitably change the water current and wave conditions, will lead to coastal erosion in the long term and may alter the structure of the entire beach, including the beach sections that still serve for nesting. Moreover, the facilities will effectively split this small beach in two, destroying its integrity. The above development, occurring within an important SPA, opposes modern integrated coastal management practices, is against all sea turtle conservation policies, laws and international Conventions and 1
is fully incompatible with Fethiye’s SPA status. The shipyard project is in breach of Recommendation No. 66 (1998) whereby the Standing Committee asked the Turkish government to “secure the remaining unbuilt beach plots against development” in Fethiye. Moreover, the project contradicts the conservation plans that the Turkish Delegation submitted to the Standing Committee in December 2010 (T‐PVS/Files (2010) 23) and the reassurances that the Turkish Authorities “will concretely establish a protection and control unit to safeguarding improper marine and coastal activities”. MEDASSET has expressed its concern regarding the shipyard construction to the Turkish Authorities (Annex 1), while local organizations and civil society groups have also demonstrated their objection to the project. 2000 signatures were collected and delivered to the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Environment and Forests in opposition to the construction of the shipyard in the area; a protest was also organised on October 1st 2010. At a public meeting held on March 3rd 2011 in Fethiye to discuss this project, it was reported that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process has been finalised and will be delivered to the Turkish Authorities, concluding that the shipyard/drydock construction should be allowed. In the leaflet distributed at this meeting (Annex 2) it is stated that the project will occupy a total of 92.040,38 square meters (72.380,22 m2 inland and 19.660,16 m2 on the coast). Buildings will cover 14.643 m2. The leaflet mentions that three lift/cranes with 300‐600 tons capacity will be installed and 400‐500 people will work in the shipyard. The documents permitting use of the area for one year to facilitate the preparation of the project are a further indication that investments have started and that the construction of the shipyard is imminent (Annex 3). The shipyard construction and operation will add to the existing numerous threats that are causing the severe nesting decline documented in Fethiye SPA, one of the 12 most important Caretta caretta nesting beaches in Turkey. We call upon the Bern Convention to investigate the continued habitat destruction occurring in Fethiye SPA that is adversely affecting the sea turtle population; to examine whether conservation measures are being enforced; and to react accordingly before the final approval of the shipyard construction on Akgöl nesting beach is taken, which would lead to irreversible ecological degradation and further decline of nesting.
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Fig. 1: Location of the planned drydock on Akgöl beach. Note (Iskele=Dockage; Kiyi Seridi=Coastline; Parsel=Plot; Mendirek=jetty). Source: See Annex 4
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Annex 1: Correspondence with EPASA Partner of International Year of Biodiversity Mr. Ahmet Ozyanik President Environmental Protection Agency for Special Areas Alparslan Türkeş Caddesi 31.Sok. 10 06510 Beştepe/ Yenimahalle Ankara th
17 of September, 2010 Our Ref. 23776
RE: New shipyard/drydock at Fethiye EPASA
Dear Mr. Ozyanik,
We have recently been reading in “Land of lights” (see attached article, 17‐23 August 2010, Issue 316, p. 2) that the Turkish Authorities have approved the relocation of the shipyard/drydock which is currently located within Fethiye town to the Karaot District at Yanıklar.
We would be grateful if you would kindly provide us with some information regarding this development. Has this project indeed been approved? Where is the exact location of this new shipyard/drydock? Has an Environmental Impact Assessment been carried out for this project?
To our knowledge, the future location of this shipyard/drydock will be within the Fethiye‐Göcek Special Environmental Protection Area and specifically, at the beach section at the far left end of the “Akgöl” beach, next to “Uzun Cape” (map attached). If this is the case, we would like to express our extreme concern, given that during 2007‐2009, two‐thirds of all nests at Akgöl beach were located in this area, i.e. on the sandy section at the end of the beach. In 2010, there were 36 nests at Akgöl, equivalent to almost half of all nests (73) recorded at the entire specific beach stretch (i.e Yaniklar + Akgöl). It is MEDASSET’s belief that such a project would permanently and irrevocably destroy this key nesting section of Fethiye SEPA. Such a project would lead to the construction of new roads making access to the nesting beach easy, major lighting installations, a whole complex of new buildings, structures in the sea to draw boats in and out of the water as well as mooring installations.
We look forward to receiving your response as soon as possible regarding this matter of concern to our organisation.
Yours sincerely,
Lily Venizelos IUCN‐MTSG Member MEDASSET President
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cc Mr. Binali Yıldırım, Minister of Transport. Prof. Dr. Hasan Sarikaya, Undersecretary, Ministry of Environment. Mr. Hasan Naiboğlu, Undersecretary for Maritime Affairs. Mr. Önder Kıraç Şaban, Undersecretary of Public Works and Housing. Mr. Mustafa Akincioglu, Deputy of General Director, Ministry of Environment. Prof. Dr. Kemal Yalinkilic, General Director, Gen. Directorate of National Parks and Game‐Wildlife. Mr. Reyhan Akarsu, Nature Conservation Department Director, Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özden, Mugla Deputy Mr. Fikret Gürtekin, President of the Assembly of Fethiye Chamber of Shipping. Mr. Akif Arıcan, Chairman of the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Mrs. Maria Luisa Silva Mejias, UNEP/MAP Officer‐in‐charge. Mr Abderrahmen Gannoun, RAC/SPA Director. Secretariat of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Council of Europe.
Area Map
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Partner of International Year of Biodiversity Mr. Ahmet Ozyanik President Environmental Protection Agency for Special Areas Alparslan Türkeş Caddesi 31.Sok. 10 06510 Beştepe/ Yenimahalle Ankara
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29 of September, 2010 Our Ref. 23782
RE: New shipyard/drydock at Fethiye EPASA
Dear Mr. Ozyanik, Thank you very much for your prompt reply and for the information. We trust that you understand MEDASSET’s concern about the protection of the nesting sites at Fethiye SEPA, including the th section at the end of Yanıklar beach (Karaot District) described in our letter dated 17 of September. We hope that the Environmental Impact Assessment regarding the relocation of the shipyard/drydock will take into consideration the importance of the nest numbers (see letter 17‐09‐2010) at “Akgöl” beach, one of the last remaining untouched nesting sections at Fethiye.
We believe that it is vital to protect every remaining area that is still used for nesting, given the severe pressures that the SEPA, and the nesting sections in particular, are facing due to the tourism‐related activities and construction that have already taken over the beaches and the marine area of the SEPA.
Yours sincerely,
Lily Venizelos
IUCN‐MTSG Member MEDASSET President
cc Mr. Binali Yıldırım, Minister of Transport. Prof. Dr. Hasan Sarikaya, Undersecretary, Ministry of Environment. Mr. Hasan Naiboğlu, Undersecretary for Maritime Affairs. Mr. Önder Kıraç Şaban, Undersecretary of Public Works and Housing. Mr. Mustafa Akincioglu, Deputy of General Director, Ministry of Environment. Prof. Dr. Kemal Yalinkilic, General Director, Gen. Directorate of National Parks and Game‐Wildlife. Mr. Reyhan Akarsu, Nature Conservation Department Director, Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Mr. Güner Ergün, Environmental Protection Agency for Special Areas Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özden, Mugla Deputy Mr. Fikret Gürtekin, President of the Assembly of Fethiye Chamber of Shipping. Mr. Akif Arıcan, Chairman of the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mrs. Maria Luisa Silva Mejias, UNEP/MAP Officer‐in‐charge. Mr Abderrahmen Gannoun, RAC/SPA Director. Secretariat of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Council of Europe.
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Annex 2: Leaflet distributed at a public meeting held on March 3rd 2011 in Fethiye
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Brief Leaflet Translation: This a brochure informs about the plans to build a drydock and shipyard facility in Fethiye, Karaot Parcelle: 96: 72 380.22m². The project will occupy a total of 92.040,38 square meters (72.380,22 m2 inland and 19.660,16 m2 on the coast). Buildings will cover 14.643 m2 (14 643 m² will be roofed – hangars). New boats and ships will be built in the facilities, while repair services will also be provided. Three lift/cranes with 300‐600 tons capacity will be installed (for 20‐100 m length ships), along with additional heavy machinery such as tractors, caterpillars, etc. The roofed area will be used for 10 hangars (50 x 30 x 12m); in each of these, one hoisting crane with a capacity of 3 tons will be erected. Two closed hangars will be used for painting, Additional plans include: garages, ship interior facility, depot for water, sewage plant, garbage dump, headquarter offices, fire station with watchtower, parking areas, cafes, customs station, electric generators etc., and a sea turtle station. The construction of this project will require at least 30 people and 400‐500 people will work in the shipyard once it is constructed. During the construction, the following environmental tasks will be conducted: Sewage plant, waste disposal, protection of marine animals, dust exposure, emissions, noise exposure etc. Reasons for choosing this area for the shipyard/drydock facility Authorities planned to create a major shipyard/drydock facility in the Fethiye/Göcek area as there are numerous small shipyards and these should be combined into a single facility. Moreover, the sites of the current shipyards are touristic places. Alternative sites were under examination (e.g. Karatas, Ciftlik, Ince, Sat) but all of them are either public swimming areas, a bird sanctuary or near wetlands. The following have been consulted: Dr. Ilcan Aslanboga, Prof. Dr.Yusuf Gemici and Dr. Ismail Cinar, for the flora at Karaot. Doc. Dr. Yakup Kaska for sea turtles in the area. Mugla University has conducted some research in this area. Negative impacts on the environment and mitigation plans The impacts on the economy, the environment and social situation have to be balanced. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry will provide a list to record the waste, noise and air pollution and ensure that limits are not exceeded. Some operations will have a direct, immediate impact, others a slower effect that will become visible in the future. During the construction, sewage will be disposed of in the Fethiye canalization system. The sea will be polluted during construction, but this pollution will be diluted after the works and therefore will no longer pose such a serious problem. Microorganisms will die during this phase, but the population will remain stable. Some animals will leave the area during construction but they will return afterwards. All waste will be separated, stored in closed containers and removed by special vehicles. The air will be polluted but the construction materials will be covered with nylon. All cars will be serviced and their emissions will be measured.
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Annex 3: Documents permitting use of the area for one year to facilitate the preparation of the shipyard project in Agkol nesting beach (Karaot District), Fethiye.
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