Molecular Biology and Genetics Specialist Dr. Lecturer Esma Ulusoy, stating that mucilage started to reappear in Çanakkale last January with the sea water warming above normal levels, said, “This increase, normally expected in April, was observed much earlier. Although this increase has temporarily slowed down with the recent cooling of the weather, it has not completely disappeared.”
Reminding that various measures were taken in Turkey after the mucilage disaster in 2021, Dr. Lecturer Esma Ulusoy said, “A United Nations report shows that disasters have increased fivefold in the last 50 years. This clearly demonstrates the serious impact of global warming and its role in making our planet increasingly uninhabitable.”
Dr. Lecturer Esma Ulusoy from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Üsküdar University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (MDBF) drew attention to the mucilage problem.
Mucilage secretion is abundantly produced under stress conditions
Dr. Lecturer Esma Ulusoy noted that phytoplankton living in oceans, seas, and lakes produce mucilage secretion abundantly under stress conditions (such as nutrient scarcity, colonization), and said, “These microscopic algae, which produce two-thirds of the free oxygen, multiply at an incredible rate when they find suitable temperature conditions, in addition to the increased nitrogen and phosphorus from pollution in the seas. This leads to the proliferation of dangerous microbes in the waters. Microbes clinging to the mucilage formed by these microalgae turn into giant masses, accumulating both on the surface and at the bottom of the sea. As a result, it causes the death of marine life, a foul odor, and a major environmental disaster.”
What is the situation of mucilage in the world?
Dr. Lecturer Esma Ulusoy, stating that mucilage started to reappear in Çanakkale last January with the sea water warming above normal levels, said, “This increase, normally expected in April, was observed much earlier. Although this increase has temporarily slowed down with the recent cooling of the weather, it has not completely disappeared. The phenomenon of mucilage, especially seen in closed and stagnant seas, was first recorded in the Adriatic Sea in 1729, and then observed in New Zealand in 1860. Subsequently, it has been seen in the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Ligurian, Baltic, Aegean, and Alboran seas, as well as in Japan and the Gulf of Mexico for many years. This phenomenon, frequently encountered in the Adriatic Sea since the 1900s, has almost completely disappeared in the last fifteen years thanks to the strict controls by the Italian government.”
Fighting the mucilage problem in Turkey…
Stating that the first mucilage case in Turkey was observed by divers in Erdek Bay in 1992, Dr. Lecturer Esma Ulusoy continued:
“Between 2007 and 2008, a significant mucilage formation was detected from the Çanakkale Strait to the Gulf of İzmit. Between 2010 and 2020, wastewater from industrial, urban, and agricultural activities in the Marmara Region increased the nitrogen and phosphorus load in the sea, leading to acidification and a decrease in oxygen concentration. 80% of this wastewater comes from Istanbul, and the rest from Kocaeli, Bursa, Tekirdağ, Balıkesir, Yalova, and Çanakkale, respectively. In addition to all these, the increase in global warming has raised sea water temperatures to abnormal levels and triggered mucilage formation. We all remember the mucilage disaster that started in January 2021 and spread for kilometers until the summer months. In fact, the Sea of Marmara, which was able to protect itself for centuries thanks to the currents in the Çanakkale and Istanbul Straits, has repeatedly shown us that it can no longer bear this burden. Especially after this disaster in 2021, various measures have been taken by the government and relevant institutions in Turkey to combat the mucilage problem. These measures have focused on areas such as reducing marine pollution, improving wastewater treatment plants, and protecting the ecosystem.”
What are the main measures taken?
Reminding that various measures were taken in Turkey after the mucilage disaster in 2021, Dr. Lecturer Esma Ulusoy listed these measures as follows:
“Development of wastewater treatment plants: To prevent domestic and industrial wastewater from being discharged into the sea without treatment, the capacities of existing facilities have been increased and new advanced biological treatment plants have been established.
Increased inspections: Inspections have been tightened to prevent illegal discharge of bilge water and dirty ballast water from marine vessels, and monitoring activities have been supported by satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Reduction of agricultural pollution: Awareness projects and good agricultural practices have been implemented to control the use of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Marmara Sea protected areas: Some regions have been declared protected areas, and economic support has been provided to fishermen.”
2024 recorded as the hottest year in history!
Stating that these measures are critical steps for solving the mucilage problem, Dr. Lecturer Esma Ulusoy concluded her words by saying, “However, it is essential for all stakeholders to cooperate to provide sustainable solutions and raise environmental awareness. According to data from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2024 has been recorded as the hottest year in history. Furthermore, a United Nations report shows that disasters have increased fivefold in the last 50 years. This clearly demonstrates the serious impact of global warming and its role in making our planet increasingly uninhabitable. Therefore, taking decisive and rapid action is very important for our future.”