With a circular published recently on the Official Gazette, the Presidency of Turkey has established the Marine Spatial Planning Coordination Board (the “Board”) to ensure the sustainable and coordinated use of the country’s surrounding seas. The move is designed to evaluate the environmental impacts of maritime activities, safeguard maritime jurisdiction and rights, and develop comprehensive marine strategies and action plans.

The circular follows Turkey’s recent legislative acts which mostly have a connection with environmental affairs and the climate. In this regard, the Board is tasked with:

• (i) Ensuring the integrated and sustainable management of Türkiye’s marine areas;

• (ii) Evaluating the environmental impacts of maritime activities;

• (iii) Protecting Türkiye’s maritime jurisdiction and sovereign rights;

• (iv) Enhancing inter-agency coordination on marine spatial issues;

• (v) Preparing or commissioning strategic frameworks and action plans, and overseeing their implementation.

The Board will convene every six months under the chairmanship of the Vice President and there will be participation from multiple ministries under the Presidency, including but not limited to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

Broad stakeholder participation is welcome, since the structure of the Board enables formation of subcommittees and working groups, and relevant public institutions and agencies (such as the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs); universities and research bodies; NGOs; professional associations and private sector representatives will be invited to the meetings.

This creation of the Board signals Turkey’s growing focus on maritime governance, environmental protection, and strategic use of marine resources, particularly at a time when regional maritime issues are under increasing international attention. The Board is expected to play a critical role in shaping Turkey’s marine spatial policy and may impact:

• (i) Offshore energy and infrastructure projects;

• (ii) Maritime transport and logistics planning;

• (iii) Coastal tourism and environmental regulation;

• (iv) Fisheries and aquaculture licensing;

• (v) Marine scientific research and foreign stakeholder engagement.

Stakeholders active in maritime sectors or operating in Turkey’s waters should closely monitor the work of the Board and any action plans that may emerge in the coming months.

We are available to assist clients in interpreting upcoming developments related to the Board and marine spatial planning regulations. For further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.