While in Turkey over the winter 2009/2010, we took an active part in a campaign to persuade the Turkish authorities to modify the proposed Blue Card scheme. The representations made by cruising organisations and others were successful in obtaining a delay to their implementation. As Mo and I are now planning to head west from Turkey we will not be able to follow developments directly, so these notes must be considered to be a statement of the position as we understand it at May 2010.
Proposals were published in 2009 by the Mugla Governor, requiring all boats in Mugla province (north of Bodrum to south of Fethiye) to carry a Blue Card. Restrictions were also introduced in 'Gocek Dalaman bays' known as Skopea Limani and its offlying islands, and these were supposed to be in effect from August 2009.
As a result of the representations a number of meetings were held to discuss the regulations, culminating in meetings between the Governorship in Mugla, and the ministries of Transport and of Tourism in Ankara. The implementation of the Blue Card scheme has now been deferred for 'one year', and is unlikely to go ahead as originally envisaged.
People can now plan to visit Mugla in 2010 without worrying about the Blue Card scheme.
Unfortunately no official statement of the position has been published, as far as we know. People who were concerned about coming cruising in Turkey remain so, and many are still being deterred. The nearest we have is an article in a local newspaper, where the official from the Environment Ministry admits to the delay. Unfortunately the article goes on to display considerable confusion as to the real implications of installing grey water tanks in small boats.
There is general support amongst the organisations to improve and control the environmental impact of boats using Turkish waters, and therefore it is planned to proceed with the implementation of the Blue Card Scheme in some form. Particular emphasis was placed on controls within Gocek-Dalaman bays (in practice Skopea Limani and offlying islands). We understand now that some limited changes may be made to the restrictions in Skopea Limani. How these may affect cruising in this area this season remains to be seen.
The authorities now recognise some of the practical issues relating to the application of the proposed regulations. It is likely that changes will now be phased in gradually, and a recognition that shoreside facilities must be provided first.
The main 'open issue' is the application of the Blue Card scheme to the vast majority of boats without deck pump out facilities. Interestingly, one of the main contributions to the debate was a realisation that detergents and other pollutants are more serious than black water waste, so that promotion of appropriate 'eco-friendly' products might be one way to go.
The Blue Card was said to be charged at 70 YTL, to last indefinitely. All boats will be required to discharge both 'grey' and 'black' water at designated locations, and volumes discharged will be recorded on the Blue Card. You will not be allowed to discharge at all within Turkish territorial waters. Considerable fines for contravening the regulations will apply, with a hint that boats might be impounded for repeat offences. It is difficult to see how many boats can comply, nor how the infrastructure can be in place to enable the number of boats cruising in this area of Turkey to be pumped out. The relevant regulations are posted here, together with notes of a meeting on the subject held at Marmaris Yat marine in October 2009, a letter of concern from the Cruising Association, and other references as they become available:
An acknowledgement was received by the Cruising Association, and it alluded to "difficulties at the beginning, but we can overcome those by mutual good will by time and while overcoming them we develop more our schedules". A reply was sent asking for a positive statement of what was intended.
Rumours abound: the regulations are unlikely to be implemented in their current form, next year, this year. They will not apply 'retrospectively' (what does that mean) or to older boats (ditto).
If the authorities do have second thoughts, what is now needed is a positive statement to that effect, so that people can continue to plan to enjoy Turkey and its magnificent cruising areas. That may not be readily forthcoming.
Much of Skopea Limani and the outlying islands are now subject to special environmental protection regulations. These seek to limit the number of vessels in the area to 1112 boats. Mooring will only be allowed to buoys, bollards etc. and anchoring will be prohibited.