For those cruising in, or going to the Bodrum to Fethiye areas, there are new rules regarding the discharge of black, grey, and
bilge waters as well as new cruising rules for the Gocek bays and coves. Noonsite.com has the latest update from the Turkish
Marine Environment Protection Association.
Pumping out of the holding
tanks is finally coming to
Turkey. However, the numbers of stations are currently limited, but expected to grow. The cost has yet to be finalized, but at Yat Marina in Marmaris, it is rumored to be about $45 (70 TL) per tank. In the Gocek area, where
grey water is required to be contained, the
tanks could fill up quickly.
While it is not exactly clear what is required, the agent at Yat Marina in Marmaris
Turkey said don't go retro-fitting boats until this issue gets sorted out. At present, it is even unclear if you can go
offshore and
pump your tanks.
These new rules only apply to the cruising area from Bodrum to Fethiye, but expect them to be expanded to other areas in a few years.
n.b. This was bound to happen sooner or later. All those day-trippers and gulets without holding tanks have really screwed up the waters. It's too bad they never heard of "leave a clean wake".