Dear Friends of the Sea,
We want to share every step we take to protect our seas—our achievements, our projects, and our progress—with all our supporters, from our volunteers to our board members. For this reason, as DYKD (Marine Life Conservation Society), we are launching the “Friends of the Sea Bulletin”!
Our first issue is a special edition covering the major developments from January to June 2025. After that, we will come together in the quarterly bulletins that we will send to you regularly.
In this way, we can all become a stronger voice for our seas—together.
Kariyo & Ababay Foundation Main Sponsorship
As of 2025, the Marine Life Conservation Society (DYKD) continues its work with even greater strength through the main sponsorship of the Kariyo & Ababay Foundation.
This strategic partnership not only expands the scope of our projects but also represents a significant milestone in our journey to enhance the institutional capacity of our organization. Thanks to the sustainable funding support provided by the Foundation, DYKD is increasing its impact in the field while strengthening various areas—from human resources to technological infrastructure.
With the support of the Kariyo & Ababay Foundation:
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The number of DYKD’s full-time employees has reached 8.
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The financial and operational infrastructure has evolved into a more sustainable structure.
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National and international collaborations have become more effectively managed.
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Data-driven monitoring and reporting processes have been improved.
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Resource development activities for new projects have been professionalized.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Kariyo & Ababay Foundation for empowering us in our fight to protect marine life. This valuable partnership is a strong step forward—not only for our present but also for safeguarding the future of our seas.
Stronger Than Ever with Our Renewed Team!
With the main sponsorship of the Kariyo & Ababay Foundation, we at the Marine Life Conservation Society (DYKD) have strengthened both our projects and our organizational structure. Today, as an expert team of eight, we work effectively across all areas—from field operations to communications—to ensure the protection of marine life.
Marine Protection in the Field with the Ranger System
By establishing the Ranger System, we have strengthened our field operations. With dives conducted at least three days a week, we protect underwater ecosystems through the removal of ghost nets, monitoring of coral health, and biodiversity research.
Additionally, throughout the rest of the week, we conduct regular patrols along the coastline to ensure the security of our protected areas. Working in coordination with the Coast Guard, our Ranger team actively combats illegal fishing while safeguarding marine life and the sustainability of the ecosystem.
Marmara: The Last Refuge — Book and Documentary
As the Marine Life Conservation Society, we proudly present our book and documentary titled “Marmara Last Refuge,” which highlights the critical changes occurring in the Marmara Sea’s ecosystem and the urgent need for its protection. These comprehensive works showcase the natural richness of the Marmara Sea, the threats it faces, and the importance of our conservation efforts. Supported by scientific data, the book and the visually compelling documentary aim to raise awareness about the protection of our seas.
You can explore our book and watch our documentary to take part in safeguarding the future of the Marmara Sea and to discover this valuable work.
Click to Watch the Documentary
From Ghost Nets to Sustainable Products: Sunglasses
As the Marine Life Conservation Society, we carried out an important site visit on June 21, 2025, as part of the Yellow Coral Conservation Project conducted in collaboration with DP World Evyap.
Our diving teams observed the yellow coral colonies in the Marmara Sea in their natural environment and assessed their current condition. During the visit, participants were informed about the critical role these sensitive species play within the marine ecosystem, the threats they face, and the scientific efforts we continue to pursue to protect them.
This project not only safeguards the existing coral colonies but also aims to secure the overall health of the Marmara ecosystem. Supported by DP World Evyap, this collaboration represents a valuable step toward ensuring the future of our seas.
Coral Transplantation in Sivriada
As part of our Kumport Coral Garden Project, we successfully completed a new live coral transplantation off the coast of Sivriada on June 24, 2025. Executives from Kumport Port Operations, the project’s supporter, also participated in this special field activity.
During the event, which took place on the deck of Valmira, our blue-flagged sailing vessel, the coral transplantation process was followed live through the ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) used in our underwater research. Kumport executives were not only supporters but active participants, experiencing the coral planting process firsthand.
This valuable collaboration has become a meaningful example of marine ecosystem restoration and the contribution of the private sector to nature-based solutions.
In Pursuit of the Yellow Corals!
As part of the Yellow Coral Conservation Project, carried out in collaboration with DP World Evyap, we conducted an important visit to our field sites on June 21, 2025.
Our diving teams observed the yellow coral colonies in the Marmara Sea in their natural environment and examined their current condition. During the visit, participants were informed about the critical role these sensitive species play within the marine ecosystem, the threats they face, and the scientific work we continue to carry out to protect them.
This project not only protects the existing coral colonies but also aims to safeguard the overall health of the Marmara ecosystem. This collaboration, made possible with the support of DP World Evyap, represents an important step toward ensuring the future of our seas.
Coral Transplantation in Sivriada
As part of our Kumport Coral Garden Project, we successfully completed a new live coral transplantation off the coast of Sivriada on June 24, 2025. Executives from Kumport Port Operations, the project’s supporter, also participated in this special field activity.
During the event, which took place on the deck of Valmira, our blue-flagged sailing vessel, the coral transplantation process was followed live through the ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) used in our underwater research. Kumport executives were not only supporters but active participants, experiencing the coral planting process firsthand.
This valuable collaboration has become a meaningful example of marine ecosystem restoration and the contribution of the private sector to nature-based solutions.
As the Marine Life Conservation Society, we continue to share our efforts to protect the Marmara Sea on the international stage. This year, we attended the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, held in Nice, France, on 9–13 June 2025, becoming the voice of our seas.
Throughout the conference:
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We emphasized that expanding Marine Protected Areas is vital for the Mediterranean and Marmara ecosystems.
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We highlighted that lasting protection can only be achieved through collaboration among academia, civil society, the private sector, and local stakeholders.
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In the Ocean Decade Forum sessions, we discussed how to build stronger bridges between marine science and policymaking.
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Within the framework of the Pelagos Initiative, commitments were made to jointly safeguard the habitats of vulnerable marine mammals.
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By presenting our “One More Breath for the Sea” project carried out in collaboration with Anadolu Efes, we shared our concrete actions taken to protect corals in the Marmara Sea with the international community.
As the Marine Life Conservation Society, we took part in the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025, held on 16–18 June, with the aim of closely following global developments in sustainability and nature-based solutions, and integrating our marine conservation efforts into international networks.
Throughout the congress, we closely followed the latest approaches in sustainable development goals, environmental policies, and nature-based practices.
We also engaged in valuable discussions with leading institutions and organizations from different countries, laying the groundwork for new collaborations that will help expand the impact of our marine conservation efforts.
Every international engagement is a step toward making the future of our seas stronger and more resilient. On this journey from the Marmara to the world, we continue to raise our voice even further.
As the Marine Life Conservation Society, we took part in the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025, held on 16–18 June, with the aim of closely following global developments in sustainability and nature-based solutions, and integrating our marine conservation efforts into international networks.
Throughout the congress, we closely followed the latest approaches in sustainable development goals, environmental policies, and nature-based practices.
We also engaged in valuable discussions with leading institutions and organizations from different countries, laying the groundwork for new collaborations that will help expand the impact of our marine conservation efforts.
Every international engagement is a step toward making the future of our seas stronger and more resilient. On this journey from the Marmara to the world, we continue to raise our voice even further.
Nature-Based Marine Conservation Begins in the Princes' Islands
As the Marine Life Conservation Society (DYKD), we are proud to announce that our project “Nature-Based Marine Conservation in the Prince Islands of Istanbul” has been approved by the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium (MBC) and RESCOM!
In the Prince Islands region—one of the rarest and most sensitive marine sanctuaries of the Marmara Sea—we adopt a holistic approach to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation. By combining scientific research, community participation, and creative methods, our project presents a sustainable model for marine conservation.
What Does the Project Include?
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500 kg of ghost nets will be removed from the sea, reducing threats to marine life.
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200 coral colonies will be transplanted to new habitats through restoration methods.
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Through women-focused workshops, marine debris will be upcycled into environmentally friendly products.
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Educational programs will be organized to raise marine conservation awareness in coastal and island schools across Istanbul.
Drawing on the experience from our previous projects, this initiative—grounded in scientific data, prioritizing community engagement, and supported by creative approaches—will mark the beginning of a hopeful transformation in the Marmara Sea.
With the support of CSP Phase II and the contributions of local stakeholders, artists, divers, and the island community, we are united on this journey.
As we restore life beneath the surface, we continue to strengthen solidarity above it.
Join us in following this exciting process.
Nature-Based Marine Conservation Begins in the Princes' Islands
As the Marine Life Conservation Society (DYKD), we are proud to announce that our project “Nature-Based Marine Conservation in the Prince Islands of Istanbul” has been approved by the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium (MBC) and RESCOM!
In the Prince Islands region—one of the rarest and most sensitive marine sanctuaries of the Marmara Sea—we adopt a holistic approach to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity protection. Our project brings together scientific research, community participation, and creative methods to offer a sustainable model for marine conservation.
What Does the Project Include?
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500 kg of ghost nets will be removed from the sea, reducing threats to marine life.
-
200 coral colonies will be restored and relocated to new habitats using transplantation methods.
-
Through women-focused workshops, marine debris will be upcycled into environmentally friendly products.
-
Educational programs will be organized to increase marine conservation awareness in coastal and island schools across Istanbul.
Drawing on insights from our previous projects, this initiative—grounded in scientific data, prioritizing community engagement, and enhanced with creative approaches—will mark the beginning of a hopeful transformation in the Marmara Sea.
With the support of CSP Phase II and the contributions of local stakeholders, artists, divers, and the island community, we are united on this journey.
As we restore life beneath the surface, we continue to strengthen solidarity above it.
Follow us as this exciting journey unfolds.
Mavi Atlas: Digital Map of the Seas
As the Marine Life Conservation Society, we launched the Mavi Atlas mobile application—developed as part of Phase 4 of the One More Breath for the Sea Project, implemented in collaboration with Anadolu Efes—on July 2, 2025, at Splendid Palas Hotel in Büyükada.
Mavi Atlas is a citizen science platform designed to create Turkey’s first digital underwater biodiversity map. Through the application, you can easily record the marine species you encounter wherever you meet the sea, contributing to valuable data on ecosystem changes, migration patterns, and biodiversity.
Once Mavi Atlas is officially released, we invite our valued volunteers, members, and supporters to actively use the application and help transform the voice of our seas into data.
Together, for a bluer future!
There are many ways to support DYKD.
You can volunteer, make a donation, or support us through corporate partnerships.
Every contribution to the future of our seas is valuable.