As marine mucilage threatens the flora of Marmara Sea in Turkey, officials say action must be taken before it’s too late.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that he has ordered to his officials regarding marine mucilage in Marmara Sea.
“We will recover our seas from mucilage. We won’t say anything about why Municipality of Istanbul doesn’t take any action for marine mucilage. We will save our seas from this scourge, especially in Marmara.” he said.
“What really concerns me that the spread of mucilage to the Black Sea. If this happens, there may be a reflow into the Sea of Marmara.”
A professor from the University of Bandirma, Mustafa Sarı dived off the side of the rocks into the sea and told what he saw in his Twitter account.
“Unfortunately, the formation of mucilage continues. The bottom of the sea is covered with a mucilage also.” he said.
What is marine mucilage?
Also known as sea snot, marine mucilage is a collection of mucus-like organic matter found in the sea. The creamy, gelatinous substance is generally not harmful, but can attract viruses and bacteria, including Escherichia coli, and it can become a blanket that suffocates the marine life below. It is also frequently seen in the Mediterranean Sea and has been spreading into farther-flung waters.