The Destructive Effects of Pollution
The Sea of Marmara in north-west Turkey has been hit by a phenomenon called marine mucilage, also known as sea snot. This mixture of mucus and microorganisms, including phytoplankton, has formed thick swathes of mucilage that stretch from the surface down to about 30 meters. This is the largest and most damaging case of marine mucilage in Turkey’s waters, causing environmental problems and threatening marine life, fishing, and tourism.
The Causes
Marine mucilage occurs when microorganisms receive excess nutrients, such as untreated waste water, resulting in excessive mucus production. The lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the release of domestic waste water and detergents into the sea, making clean-up efforts more challenging. Researchers also predict that climate change will worsen the situation as warming seas lead to more algal “blooms” and, consequently, more marine mucilage.
The Environmental Impact
The proliferation of marine mucilage has become a significant environmental problem in recent months. It suffocates marine life, disrupts fishing, and affects tourism. The ongoing growth of sea snot in the Sea of Marmara poses a considerable threat to the delicate ecosystem of the region.
The Future Outlook
Efforts are underway to collect and remove thousands of cubic meters of marine mucilage from the Sea of Marmara. However, with the predicted exacerbation of the problem due to climate change, long-term solutions and mitigation strategies need to be developed to protect the marine environment and the local economy.
