The nightmare of Marmara has returned, and a warning has been issued: "Immediate measures must be taken."

The nightmare of mucilage has returned to the Marmara Sea. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı, a faculty member of the Maritime Faculty at Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, who warned about the mucilage that has spread up to 24 meters in the Erdek Gulf, called on the authorities to take urgent measures.

RISING TEMPERATURE TRIGGERS MUCILAGE

During a dive conducted on October 23, 2024, in the Erdek Gulf, it was determined that mucilage formed starting from 10 meters up to 15 meters. In subsequent examinations conducted on October 25, it was observed that the mucilage had spread up to 24 meters. The sea surface temperature being 2 degrees higher than the long-term average is cited as one of the factors triggering mucilage. Experts emphasize that the only way to protect the Marmara Sea from mucilage is to reduce marine pollution. The Marmara Sea Action Plan (MDEP), which was implemented in 2021, included 22 items in the fight against pollution, but due to the ineffective implementation of this plan, mucilage has become a problem again.

"URGENT MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN"

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı stated that central and local governments must act immediately to prevent the further spread of mucilage, which negatively affects the Marmara Sea, especially in fishing and tourism. The uncontrolled discharge of industrial waste from sources such as the Gönen, Nilüfer, and Ergene Rivers flowing into the Marmara Sea must be stopped; the discharge limits of rivers should be re-regulated, and inspections should be increased. The measures to be taken for the protection of the Marmara Sea are now urgent.

POLLUTION AND RISING TEMPERATURE HAVE BROUGHT BACK MUCILAGE

Mucilage is a viscous polysaccharide structure released into the water by algae that utilize the increased nitrogen and phosphorus due to pollution. Mucilage clusters spread for kilometers in the sea, becoming heavy enough to halt the vital activities of marine creatures such as sponges, mussels, and corals, and sink to the bottom. Only 55% of the waste from the 25 million people living around the Marmara Sea is fully treated. The remaining 45% is discharged into the sea through deep discharge. Only half of the waste from industrial facilities located around the Marmara Sea is treated. Agricultural fertilizers and chemicals are also carried to the sea by rivers, increasing the pollution load that triggers mucilage.