OYAK Cement Invests in a Sustainable Future for the Sea of Marmara: "In Pursuit of Life: Marine Habitats Project" Expands Along the Darıca Coast

OYAK Cement has launched the 2026 phase of its artificial reef project, carried out in cooperation with Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, along the Darıca coast. To support biodiversity in the region, 100 new artificial reef blocks were lowered onto the seabed, while 6,000 tagged juvenile fish were released into the sea through parallel fish-stocking efforts.

OYAK Cement continues to advance its environmental projects in line with its global vision and sustainability-focused strategies. Launched in cooperation with Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality in May last year, the artificial reef initiative entered its second phase at a ceremony attended by a broad group of stakeholders. As part of the "In Pursuit of Life: Marine Habitats Project," 100 new artificial reef blocks produced using OYAK Cement's proprietary technology were lowered into the sea off Darıca, creating a new marine habitat. At the same ceremony, 6,000 tagged juvenile gilthead seabream, European sea bass, turbot and sturgeon, raised under the İzmit Bay Fish Stocking Project, were released into the waters of the bay.

Scientific Findings Inspire Expansion: Full Protection Against Mucilage Risk

Evaluation results from the first phase, involving 100 artificial reef blocks deployed at each of the Gebze Eskihisar (2024) and Gölcük Ulaşlı (2025) sites, demonstrated a measurable improvement in the Sea of Marmara ecosystem. Scientific assessments conducted through SCUBA surveys and regular water sampling confirmed that dissolved oxygen levels in the reef areas remained healthy at approximately 8 mg/L, chlorophyll-a concentrations supported phytoplankton activity at optimal levels, and no mucilage, commonly known as sea snot, was observed in the area.

"We Aim to Lead Not Only Our Industry, but the Future"

Speaking at the ceremony, M. Galip Tekiner, OYAK Cement's Director of Alternative Resources and Environment, said: "Building on the positive scientific findings from the first year, we are proud to expand the scope of our Artificial Reef Project today. This multi-stakeholder initiative, carried out together with Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, the Kocaeli Governorship, TAGEM, SUMAE and Kocaeli University, is one of the strongest examples of how industry can align with an environmental vision. As we reduce carbon emissions across our production processes, we will continue to protect marine life through our innovative green products and support sustainable fisheries."

17.07.2026

OYAK Cement Invests in a Sustainable Future for the Sea of Marmara: "In Pursuit of Life: Marine Habitats Project" Expands Along the Darıca Coast

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