Scuba divers in the Mediterranean resort town Kaş are anxious about the future of the sea and have called on authorities to preserve the underwater natural and historical treasures by establishing effective coordination between divers and the tourism industry.

Kaş, near Antalya, is called by some the diving capital of Turkey. It is acknowledged to be among the first 50 most important scuba- diving spots of the world by many leading underwater magazines. Reefs, caves, tunnels and canyons that are ornamented with rich flora and fauna, as well as ancient and modern wrecks and remains of ancient civilizations await divers, meanwhile patiently and quietly serving as nests for endangered species of fish. Lucky divers may also be able to see protected wildlife like Caretta carettas or the Mediterranean seal (monakus-monakus).

“The diving adventure of Kaş began in the mid 1980s,” said Uğur Eroğlu, a senior diving instructor of 21 years. “I have discovered and named approximately 50 diving sites around Kaş,” he said, adding,“ Scuba diving is not only a sportive activity here. We blend it with art.”

Eroğlu said that several artistic underwater exhibitions have been held, including Artventura in 2003 and We Fired the Sea in 2004, displaying ceramic handicraft items by various artists.

“The peak of my happiness was the time when I discovered the plane wreck from World War II only a few miles away from Kaş,” he said.

Another senior diving instructor, Yusuf Sülekoğlu, recalled that most of the sites were forbidden zones for diving until four years ago and said there are many more places to be discovered. “But while discovering new sites we must not neglect the protection of the old ones,” he said.

One of the most important problems for divers in Kaş is forbidden fishing. While some fishermen continue fishing despite the bans, others use dynamite, endangering the underwater ecosystem.

According to Murat Draman, a prominent diver, bans do not mean much. “It is forbidden to fish, but selling fish is allowed,” he said. “For example, grouper are under protection. But I want to ask restaurant owners, how can you serve orfoz in your restaurants while it is forbidden to fish all around the year?”

Although there are regulations at the national level about the fishing of endangered species, the sanctions and inspections are not sufficient, according to Hakan Nalçacı, the chairman of Kasad, a local organization of scuba divers. “We try to fill in the gap in the implementation,” he said, adding that they have achieved a remarkable civil power here to protect the rare species such as grouper and Mediterranean slipper lobster. 

“We have warned all the restaurants not to sell the baby grouper or the ones killed by spear; otherwise we would put their names in our black list as non-recommendable places. We always check it,” he said.

Some divers argue that fishing in the region should be banned for two to three years to protect the underwater life; however Draman disagrees. “Ban everything in everywhere if you want, you cannot stop those fishing with dynamites; banning is not a way of protection,” he said. “The purpose should be managing all resources in accordance with sustainable tourism concept.”

Sustainable tourism needs to be supported by a plan, argued Framan. “All the parties here -- hoteliers, tourists, fishermen, fish, plants -- should all survive, without ignoring or destroying one other.”

Kaş, with 14 diving boats belonging to 13 schools with 50 instructors, has started to attract foreign divers as well. Besides Europeans, it is possible to see divers from “the other end of the world,” such as Peru and Argentina. Germans, Belgians and Dutch sill top the list, however.

German Andrea Dahins went with her son and husband to Indonesia before coming to Kaş this summer. “Of course the underwater is more colorful, like an aquarium in Indonesia. But here, the landscape of the sea bottom is very interesting. Caves, canyons, historical remains, flora,” she said. She also appreciates the friendly atmosphere of the people on ships and in general. “We don't like the places of mass-tourism, the place we visit should be familiar to us and friendly. Therefore we are very happy here,” she said.