A major cleanup project in Izmit Bay in Kocaeli province, northwestern Türkiye, has completed its second phase, with authorities removing approximately 1.3 million cubic meters (45.9 million cubic feet) of bottom mud from an area covering 100 hectares.

The project is being carried out by Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change to reduce pollution, protect the bay and support its aquatic ecosystem.

The second phase of the "Izmit Bay Eastern Basin Bottom Mud Removal Project” focused on removing polluted mud from the seabed.

With the completion of the second phase, the total area cleaned in Izmit Bay has reached 225 hectares, while approximately 2.4 million cubic meters of bottom mud have been removed since the project began.

Authorities said the amount of mud removed and transported from the bay so far is equivalent to around 160,000 truckloads. The total cleaned area is also roughly equal to 315 soccer fields.

Third phase to continue cleanup

The project will continue with a third phase, during which bottom mud will be removed from different points across Izmit Bay.

The upcoming phase will also include efforts to improve the marine ecosystem and help restore the bay's natural structure.

The project aims to create a healthier and more resilient aquatic ecosystem in Izmit Bay while supporting the long-term protection of its waters.

Authorities also aim to preserve the bay's natural structure, strengthen its aquatic ecosystem and pass on a cleaner and healthier marine environment to future generations.