Mediterranean Sea turns to Indian Ocean

The temperature of the Mediterranean Sea has risen from 30 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius since 1970, reported Professor Bayram Öztürk, having returned to Bodrum after spending three months in the seas of Cyprus and Syria aboard the Istanbul University Faculty of Fisheries research ship ‘Yunus.' Öztürk is in charge of the research ship that carries out studies in the Aegean and the Mediterranean.

“The temperature difference between the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea is now two degrees. Therefore 33 species have come to the Mediterranean passing the Red Sea. Among them there are dangerous species threatening mankind,” said Öztürk. He attributed the ,ncreasing temperatures to global warming and contamination.

Öztürk said that the Mediterranean is becoming increasingly tropical each day. He pointed out that the species of Indian Ocean rival the species of the Mediterranean. “Therefore, we need to conduct more research. They harm the existence of typical Mediterranean life. We have to find permanent solutions and develop new projects to protect our seas which are being ruined by contamination.” Öztürk said that a limit should be set for the number tourist facilities built on the coastline. He also urged for the establishment of solid waste processing centers.
Turkish Daily