The quality of seawater around Çeşme, located on the Aegean coast of İzmir, is to be increased by releasing Mediterranean mussels into the sea. Undertaken by IC Çeşme Marina and Dokuz Eylül University in İzmir, the project will be tried out for the first time in Turkey and Europe.

In the first phase of the project, 80 sacks full of Mediterranean mussels have been released into the water and after an analysis phase, more are planned for release.

Although they are considered to be an invasive species, the Mediterranean mussels are known to clean seawater by filtering it. A single mussel can filter 150 liters of water a day. After the first phase, the seawater will be tested and the results will be published as an academic paper.

Çeşme is known for its clean waters and is one of the most popular summer destinations for beach lovers. However, due to the currents in the area, the seawater around the marina was found to be polluted by the muddy water that flows after every rain, which raises the heavy metal levels of the seawater.