Türkiye Prepares Response to Greece’s Planned Marine Parks in Disputed Waters
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Türkiye is closely monitoring Greece’s upcoming declaration of marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean Seas, viewing the move as a potential unilateral encroachment on regional maritime rights. Turkish authorities have accelerated their own maritime strategy to counter what they see as Greek overreach in contested waters, according to a report by a Turkish daily.
Maritime Spatial Planning as a Strategic Countermove
In response to Greece’s plans, Türkiye is expanding its maritime spatial planning to include environmental protection zones across the Aegean, Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Sea of Marmara. This initiative is part of a broader effort to assert maritime sovereignty and secure international recognition of Türkiye’s maritime claims.
Türkiye formally announced its comprehensive Maritime Spatial Planning framework on April 16, and has since submitted necessary documents to the United Nations for registration. Turkish officials view this proactive step as a diplomatic and legal measure to strengthen Ankara’s position amid rising tensions.
Environmental or Geopolitical? Türkiye Sees a Larger Picture
Although Greece frames its marine park initiative as an environmental policy—with measures such as banning deep-sea trawling and curbing overfishing—Ankara suspects the timing and scope may have broader geopolitical implications. The Turkish government is currently reviewing legal and strategic countermeasures in anticipation of what it considers a potentially aggressive maritime maneuver by Athens.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently reaffirmed that the marine parks would be officially declared by the end of the month, triggering renewed scrutiny in Türkiye.
Firm Message from Ankara: No Unilateral Action in the Aegean
The Turkish government has made clear that any unilateral declaration by Greece—particularly in the Aegean Sea, where territorial disputes are long-standing—would be considered unacceptable. Turkish officials warn that such steps risk escalating tensions between the two NATO allies.
The Aegean Sea remains a sensitive flashpoint, with disputes over territorial waters, airspace, and continental shelves. Ankara’s message is unambiguous: it will not tolerate moves that threaten regional stability or Türkiye’s maritime rights.
