Fines rise for ships causing marine pollution


The Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communication has raised the fines for marine pollution by 41 percent while also implementing stricter regulations after a ship spilled 50 tons of fuel off the coast of western Turkey after hitting rocks.

The ministry's decision follows the incident involving Lady Tuna, a ship which suffered heavy damage after she hit rocks on Dec. 18, 2016. The incident was responsible for 50 tons of fuel spilling into the sea near Fener island of Turkey's western İzmir province and resulted in a fine of TL 5 million ($1.37 million).