Artificial Reefs Provide Habitat for 33 Marine Species in Just One Year

Akçansa, a joint venture of Sabancı Holding and Heidelberg Materials, in collaboration with the Marmara Island Gündoğdu Village Beautification, Reconstruction, Development, and Solidarity Association along with the guidance of Balıkesir University and Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, releases the first monitoring report of the Marmara Islands Artificial Reef Project which was launched last year.

The project has deployed 280 artificial reefs, 160 of which were produced using 3D printing technology, onto the seabed of the Sea of Marmara. According to the initial findings, marine life activity around the reefs has significantly increased. By the end of the first year, 33 different species, including 10 fish species, have been identified. The reef clusters also show a rise in the populations of economically valuable fish species, such as the common two-banded sea bream (Diplodus vulgaris) and the brown meagre (Sciaena umbra).

Additionally, the reefs provide a habitat for the Mediterranean native fan mussel (Pinna nobilis), classified as ‘critically endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. The reefs are expected to continue promoting the growth of fish populations and enhancing biodiversity in the region.

Following one year of implementation, the Marmara Islands Artificial Reef Project, initiated by Akçansa in partnership with the Marmara Island Gündoğdu Village Beautification, Reconstruction, Development, and Solidarity Association, has completed its first follow-up dive and published a monitoring report. Conducted with the approval of the General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture under the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with guidance from Balıkesir University and Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, the project has deployed 280 artificial reefs, contributing significantly to the vibrancy of marine life.

Critically Endangered Fan Mussel Identified

Designed to provide shelter and food, as well as enhance biodiversity, the artificial reefs, including 160 produced with 3D printing, have become habitats for 33 marine species, 10 of which are fish species, within the first year. Economically valuable fish, such as common two-banded sea bream (Diplodus vulgaris) and brown meagre (Sciaena umbra), have seen notable population increases. Furthermore, the protected European spider crab (Maja squinado), a species under strict conservation, has been observed thriving around the reefs.

The reefs have also provided a home for the critically endangered fan mussel (Pinna nobilis), listed on the IUCN Red List; this species plays a crucial role in maintaining the marine ecosystem by filtering up to six liters of seawater per hour, contributing to the fight against marine mucilage. 

The report highlights that the areas where the artificial reefs are located have shown substantial improvements in the marine ecosystem and increased biodiversity. It also notes that the reefs have become breeding and feeding grounds for fish, leading to a growth in fish populations.

Akçansa CEO Vecih Yılmaz shared his thoughts on the report, stating: “We are delighted to see the first positive results of the Marmara Islands Artificial Reef Project, which we initiated in accordance with our vision of becoming Türkiye’s leading sustainable building materials company regarding stakeholder value. This project aims to support the ecosystem, protect biodiversity, and contribute to marine life. The identification of 33 different species around the reef clusters during initial studies is a significant indication of the ecological benefits the reefs bring to the Sea of Marmara. The findings, which predict an increase in fish populations inhabiting the reefs, give us significant hope for the project’s contribution to a sustainable future. We will continue to monitor the project closely. At Akçansa, we remain committed to working for a more livable tomorrow.”

Bayram Öztürk, President of the Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TÜDAV), commented: “Marmara Island acts as a stepping stone for biodiversity conservation in the Sea of Marmara. This project is an exemplary initiative for protecting the Marmara region. I have never seen such a large brown meagre population elsewhere in the Sea of Marmara. These kinds of efforts are essential for our country. Protecting the reef area from pollution and fostering collective ownership of the project represent critical measures.”

Hüseyin Semerci, Project Initiative Group Leader, added: “We launched the Marmara Islands Artificial Reef Project to support biodiversity and marine life populations. The project spans six fields, each containing six reef clusters. After one year, we conducted a monitoring study supported by TÜDAV to observe the developing life forms. The early diversity and the species attached to the reefs inspire us with great hope and excitement. We will continue developing this project for the sustainable future of our seas.”