Concerns are rising over the quality of sea water at two Blue Flag beaches in Sarıgerme, located in Muğla’s Ortaca district, following pollution detected in the Sarıçay stream. Muğla is home to 112 Blue Flag beaches, making it the second-highest region in Türkiye after Antalya. Officials have indicated that a final decision regarding the future of Sarıgerme’s Blue Flag beaches will be made at a meeting at the end of the year. Should the pollution persist, the beaches could lose their Blue Flag certification, potentially impacting tourism in the area. In 2024, Türkiye ranked third globally in the number of Blue Flag beaches, behind Spain and Greece, with 567 beaches, 27 marinas, and 18 tourism boats.