A new scientific initiative led by TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center is set to strengthen environmental monitoring and pollution prevention in İzmit Bay.

The project, titled Monitoring of İzmit Bay Water Quality and Terrestrial Inputs and Development of Recommendations for Prevention of Pollution (IK-IZ), will carry out seasonal monitoring of surface waters in the gulf and surrounding streams. Researchers will track physical, chemical and biological parameters through field sampling and compare the results with historical data to support long-term water quality assessments.

The collected data will feed into integrated ecosystem models, helping scientists better understand how domestic and industrial activities affect the gulf. The project will also investigate extreme events such as mucilage outbreaks, algal and plankton overgrowth, changes in flow regimes, coastal litter and pollution loads carried by rivers.

By aligning findings with water pollution control regulations, the initiative aims to provide evidence-based guidance for policymakers and planners. Ultimately, the project seeks to support the protection and sustainable use of İzmit Bay and strengthen science-based environmental monitoring and decision-making.

Photo Credit: TÜBİTAK MAM