The nightmare of mucilage has returned to the Sea of Marmara.

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There is a nightmare of mucilage in the Sea of Marmara. Prof. Dr. Sarı, who revealed the situation with underwater images, stated that the problem has become widespread and poses a serious threat to the ecosystem in the region. Prof. Dr. Sarı also emphasized that action plans need to be activated urgently. Mobile phone images taken by citizens at the Mudanya Güzelyalı and Yalova Çınarcık Esenköy Fishing Shelter showed that mucilage has now reached the surface of the sea.

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı, a faculty member at Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University Maritime Faculty, evaluated this situation and drew attention to the threat facing the ecosystem.

"IT IS APPROACHING THE SURFACE"

In his statement, Prof. Dr. Sarı said, "The mucilage that reappeared in the Erdek Gulf on October 25, 2024, has spread to the surroundings of the Marmara Islands and Southern Marmara in a short time. In just 4 weeks, it is almost reaching the northernmost part of Marmara. As of today, it has surrounded the entire Marmara like a spider web in the Gemlik Gulf, around the Istanbul Islands, and in the Yalova Çınarcık region, at a depth of 5-25 meters. Today, it has even approached the surface. Those looking from the shore at Çınarcık Esenköy Fishing Shelter have started to see the mucilage with the naked eye. This shows that mucilage is slowly approaching the surface and is also spreading northward."

"IF WE TURN A BLIND EYE, DIFFICULT DAYS AWAIT US"

Pointing out that the Izmit Gulf will likely encounter mucilage completely within a week or two, Sarı continued his remarks:

"So, what will we do? What we urgently need to do right now is to control the pollution sources that come to the Sea of Marmara through various means. We need to control all domestic waste, industrial waste, and other waste. Can we do this in such a short time? There are things we can do. There are non-operational treatment plants; we need to get them up and running quickly. Industrial facilities all committed to 'we will not pollute the environment' when they obtained their licenses. We need to urgently stop their waste discharge by increasing inspections. If we do these, we may be able to reduce the mucilage's return to that horrific state on the surface in spring and summer. However, if we neglect it and turn a blind eye, let’s not forget that difficult days await us in the spring and summer. Mucilage is a result. The causes of mucilage need to be eliminated to prevent its emergence."