Protection of no-fishing zones

AKD rangers recently carried out a joint night patrol together with Gendarmerie personnel aboard the patrol vessel. Night patrols are a key line of defence against illegal fishing, as violations are more likely to go undetected after dark. Photo credit: Mediterranean Conservation Society

Rangers continue to recover abandoned wire fish traps from the sea. Left unattended, such traps continue to catch and kill marine life indefinitely ("ghost fishing"), so they are cleared from the area during patrols. Photo credit: Mediterranean Conservation Society

In Gökova Körfezi, rangers recovered two plastic fuel canisters floating at sea. Identified as abandoned fishing gear rather than active equipment, they were removed from the water during the patrol to prevent marine pollution and hazards to other vessels. Photo credit: Mediterranean Conservation Society

Near Orman Piknik Yeri (Akyaka), the Mediterranean Conservation Society's ranger team intercepted a diver equipped with a speargun conducting an unauthorized dive within the protected area. Legal action was subsequently processed by the Gendarmerie. Photo credit: Mediterranean Conservation Society

In order to track the efficiency of the Marine Ranger system the Mediterranean Conservation Society simultaneously monitors No Fishing Zones (NFZ) and areas outside NFZs. Photo credit: Mediterranean Conservation Society

In 2025, this project carried out over 1,000 marine patrols and removed 1,750kg of marine debris. It also received international recognition for its long-term conservation work, strengthening international marine conservation partnerships and outreach efforts. Photo credit: Mediterranean Conservation Society

Mediterranean Conservation Society celebrated Science Month through workshops and community events in Datça and Akyaka, engaging students and local residents in conservation-focused learning and field activities. Photo credit: Mediterranean Conservation Society

Marine Rangers follow their shifts, which are scheduled differently each week by the Marine Ranger Coordinator, to prevent individuals involved in illegal activities from tracking the patrol hours.

The boats are registered in AKV (Akdeniz Koruma Vafki), and rangers are using side cameras to record illegal activities through both visual and audio recordings.

Marine Rangers are not only patrolling for illegal fishing activities but are also monitoring individuals entering restricted forest areas in summer to prevent forest fires.

Rangers observe the shallow coastal waters for individuals engaging in illegal spearfishing.

The Gökova Marine Rangers patrol area encompasses No Fishing Zones known for their abundant Posidoia Oceanica habitat.

Gökova Marine Rangers, dressed appropriately, patrolling the Gökova Bay.

Protection of no-fishing zones joined Pinwheel!