Endangered red corals in northwestern Türkiye captured in stunning footage

By Cem San

BALIKESIR, Türkiye (AA) — Lining the Aegean Sea floor, reefs of red coral serve as the backbone of their marine ecosystems off Türkiye's northwestern coast, where a team of divers led by cinematographer Tahsin Ceylan captured breathtaking footage under the waves.

Diving instructors Kubilay Kilic and Ata Akyol joined Ceylan, who specializes in underwater documentaries, as they plunged into the sea with their cameras from Kerbela point in the resort district of Ayvalık to experience the hotbed of underwater biodiversity, home to red and stony coral, sea urchins, and the colorful painted comber, an fish species endemic to the region.

When it comes to diving, red coral is the first thing that comes to mind in Ayvalik, Ceylan tells Anadolu.

Emphasizing rich variety of flora and fauna in the northern Aegean, Ceylan said the region serves as a habitat for species, whether they thrive in cold or warm environments.

The sea off Ayvalik has one of the highest populations of red coral in the world, along with Italy's Portofino region, according to Ceylan, who also noted that these corals are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.

Noting that a 2020 UN report had warned that about 30% of near-surface red coral species have disappeared, Ceylan said they have been destroyed due to marine vessels "anchoring and other such reasons."

"Protecting the coral is extremely important," he added.

Diving instructor Kilic also highlighted the wealth of life in Ayvalik, as well as its unique beauty both above and below the water off its coast.

He recommended that underwater enthusiasts visit Ayvalik for its yellow and red coral reefs and renowned diving spots like Kerbela, Ezerbey, Tokmaklar, and Ecevit'in Bahcesi, where stunning coral reefs abound.

Kilic invited everyone to experience the cultural heritage and beauty of these underwater treasures in Ayvalik.