Restoring marine connectivity along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast

Gökova Bay, a formal marine protected area, is a unique environment with high levels of marine biodiversity. FFI and local partner, Akdeniz Koruma Derneği, have effectively enforced six no-take zones through community engagement in Gökova Bay. We have focused on developing a community ranger programme to encourage more effective patrolling of the no-take zones and enforcement of existing fisheries legislation, as well as capacity building support to the local fishing cooperative. Over the last five years we have documented the recovery of local fisheries and the return of the charismatic Mediterranean monk seal to the area. We are currently expanding this successful model to Fethiye Bay, working with the government and local stakeholders to replicate the Gökova Bay community-based approach to catalyse new conservation actions and promote sustainable fisheries.