3 June 2026, Istanbul, Türkiye – As part of Istanbul Zero Waste Week, held under the auspices of the Zero Waste Foundation and the Governorship of Istanbul, an Underwater Waste Collection and Cleanup Dive was launched from BAU Port into the Bosphorus. The event was organized in collaboration with BAU BUSAK, BAU ELSP, CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University.
Diving from BAU Port, BUSAK (Bahçeşehir University Underwater Student Club) students and teams from the Turkish Coast Guard Command collected waste accumulated beneath the waters of the Bosphorus. Aiming to protect marine ecosystems and draw attention to underwater pollution, the activity also enabled university students to take an active role in addressing environmental challenges.
During the dives, a wide range of waste materials that could harm the marine ecosystem was removed from the depths of the Bosphorus, including vehicle tyres, plastic products, packaging waste, and various everyday items. The waste collected during the activity once again highlighted the effects of unsustainable consumption habits and discarded materials on the seas and underwater life.While removing the waste, the diving teams also encountered small crabs and various shellfish that had taken shelter inside or around the discarded materials. The marine creatures were carefully separated from the waste and released back into the sea so that they could continue living in their natural habitats. In this way, the activity prioritized not only the removal of underwater waste but also the protection of marine life throughout the cleanup process.
An underwater lighting device developed by Bahçeşehir University was used during the dives. By supporting the divers’ visibility beneath the surface, the device demonstrated how scientific and technological solutions developed within universities can be applied in field activities aimed at protecting the environment and natural ecosystems.
The underwater cleanup contributed to raising public awareness of marine pollution, responsible waste management, and the protection of natural resources. Bringing together public institutions, academia, and university students around a shared environmental goal, the event emphasized that cleaner seas and healthier ecosystems can only be achieved through cooperation and a collective sense of responsibility.
Held as part of Istanbul Zero Waste Week, the activity represented an important step towards protecting the natural heritage of the Bosphorus and leaving future generations a cleaner, more liveable, and more sustainable environment.