Izmir: Turkish entrepreneur Nermin Sena Ozger is turning discarded mussel shells into artificial reefs in western Trkiye, recycling organic waste while creating new habitats for marine life. Ozger, a diving instructor, industrial designer, and entrepreneur, grew up closely connected to the sea in Izmir's Foca district.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ozger's innovative project began as part of her master's degree at Izmir University of Economics in 2019, where she researched ways to enhance underwater experiences. During her doctoral studies at Yasar University, completed in 2026, she focused on using discarded mussel shells in artificial reefs. Her project, titled 'Towards Symbiocentric Artificial Reef Design: An Application-Based Study Through Bio-Reef,' led to the establishment of her company at Teknopark Izmir within the Izmir Institute of Technology. The project was further developed with support from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Trkiye (TUBITAK) Individual Young Entrepreneur Program and the UN Industrial Development Organization's Global Cleantech Innovation Program (GCIP).
Ozger began collecting discarded shells from businesses selling stuffed mussels and mussel-export processing facilities. After upcycling about 3 tons of mussel shells in the initial phase, she produced four artificial reef prototypes. These prototypes were purchased by IZDENIZ AS, a subsidiary of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, and installed at Telgraf Bay in Seferihisar's Sigacik neighborhood. Divers periodically inspect the reefs to monitor their contribution to the marine ecosystem, with an Anadolu photojournalist documenting marine life developing around them.
Ozger told Anadolu that while working on artificial reef design, she realized mussel shells could be transformed into a water-resistant material. After being satisfied with the first prototypes, the team applied for the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Trkiye's 1707 Order-Based Research and Development Project program. She noted that artificial reefs around the world are predominantly made of concrete, but her team wanted to remove discarded mussel shells from the waste stream and reuse them. Ozger estimated that more than 40 tons of mussel shells are thrown away every month in the Aegean Region.
Ozger explained that artificial reefs are designed to support underwater life and create habitats in areas where marine life has declined. Marine life began developing on the prototypes more quickly than on concrete reefs, with algae growth attracting other species. The prototypes were placed underwater, and life began to develop on them more quickly compared to concrete reefs. Herbivorous organisms, such as algae, began to develop faster, attracting more marine creatures to the area.
Telgraf Bay was selected for the first prototypes due to its potential for diving tourism. During the latest inspection dive, the team observed an octopus inside one of the reef's cavities, marking a significant milestone. The team also observed small fish using the reefs for shelter and protection. Ozger noted that black bream, rainbow wrasse, and Mediterranean rainbow wrasse were using these reefs like a shield, and the team recorded videos and took photographs of these moments.
Ozger stated that 35 more artificial reefs would be installed at Telgraf Bay under the project. The aim is to reduce waste while turning the area into a new attraction for divers and underwater photographers.