Increased fivefold in the last 50 years!
With the abnormal warming of seawater, marine mucilage reappeared in Çanakkale this past January, according to Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy, an expert in Molecular Biology and Genetics. She stated that "Normally, this increase is expected in April, but it was observed much earlier this year. Although the recent cooling of temperatures has temporarily slowed the increase, the issue has not completely disappeared."
Recalling the various measures taken in Türkiye after the 2021 marine mucilage disaster, Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy noted that "A United Nations report shows that disasters have increased fivefold in the last 50 years. This clearly demonstrates the severe impact of global warming and its role in making our planet increasingly uninhabitable."
Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy, from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Üsküdar University, emphasized the importance of addressing the marine mucilage problem.
Mucilage secretion increases under stress conditions
Explaining that phytoplankton living in oceans, seas, and lakes produce large amounts of mucilage under stress conditions such as nutrient scarcity and colonization, Dr. Ulusoy stated that "These microscopic algae, which produce two-thirds of the free oxygen in the atmosphere, rapidly proliferate when they encounter high nitrogen and phosphorus levels due to marine pollution, combined with suitable temperature conditions. This leads to the excessive growth of harmful microorganisms in the water.
The microbes that attach to the mucilage secreted by these microalgae form massive clusters, accumulating both on the water's surface and at the seabed. As a result, marine life perishes, an unpleasant odor spreads, and a major environmental disaster unfolds."
What is the global status of mucilage?
Addressing the recent appearance of mucilage in Çanakkale due to seawater warming beyond normal levels, Dr. Esma Ulusoy expressed that "This increase, typically expected in April, was observed much earlier. Although colder weather has slowed it temporarily, the problem persists."
Mucilage, which is particularly seen in closed and stagnant seas, was first recorded in 1729 in the Adriatic Sea and later observed in 1860 in New Zealand. Since then, it has been reported in the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Ligurian, Baltic, Aegean, and Alboran Seas, as well as in the Gulf of Japan and the Gulf of Mexico. Since the 1900s, mucilage has frequently appeared in the Adriatic Sea. However, due to strict regulations by the Italian government, it has nearly disappeared over the past fifteen years.
Combating the mucilage problem in Türkiye
Dr. Esma Ulusoy, a faculty member in Molecular Biology and Genetics, stated that the first mucilage case in Türkiye was observed in 1992 in the Erdek Gulf by diving athletes. She continued her remarks as follows:
"Between 2007 and 2008, a significant mucilage formation was detected from the Çanakkale Strait to the İzmit Bay. From 2010 to 2020, industrial, urban, and agricultural activities in the Marmara Region increased nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the sea, leading to acidification and decreased oxygen concentration. 80% of these wastewater discharges originated from Istanbul, with the remainder coming from Kocaeli, Bursa, Tekirdağ, Balıkesir, Yalova, and Çanakkale. In addition to this pollution, the rise in global warming caused abnormal increases in sea temperature, triggering mucilage formation.We all remember the 2021 mucilage disaster, which began in January and spread over kilometers by the summer. The Marmara Sea, which had been able to sustain itself for centuries thanks to currents from the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, has now shown multiple times that it can no longer handle this burden. After this environmental crisis, the Turkish government and related institutions implemented various measures to combat mucilage, focusing on reducing marine pollution, improving wastewater treatment plants, and protecting ecosystems."
What were the key measures taken?
Dr. Esma Ulusoy outlined the main measures implemented in Türkiye after the 2021 mucilage disaster as follows:
“Enhancing Wastewater Treatment Facilities: Existing facilities were upgraded, and new advanced biological treatment plants were established to prevent domestic and industrial wastewater from being directly discharged into the sea.
Stricter Regulations and Monitoring: Regulations were tightened to prevent illegal discharge of bilge water and ballast water from ships. Surveillance activities were reinforced with satellites and drones.
Reducing Agricultural Pollution:Projects were initiated to raise awareness and promote sustainable agricultural practices to control nitrogen and phosphorus usage.
Marine Conservation Areas in the Marmara Sea:Certain areas were declared protected zones, and economic support was provided to fishermen affected by restrictions.”
2024: The hottest year in history!
Dr. Esma Ulusoy emphasized that these measures are crucial in solving the mucilage issue but stressed that collaborative, long-term efforts and greater environmental awareness are necessary for sustainable solutions. Ulusoy stated that "According to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (EU), 2024 has been recorded as the hottest year in history. Additionally, a United Nations report shows that natural disasters have increased fivefold in the last 50 years.This clearly highlights the severe impact of global warming and its growing role in making our planet uninhabitable. Urgent and decisive action is critical for our future."
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)