Experts say that the re-emergence of mucilage, also known as "sea snot," in recent days is causing microscopic organisms, which produce a significant portion of oxygen, to create a tremendous environmental disaster.
Dr. Esma Ulusoy, an expert in Molecular Biology and Genetics, noted that the mucilage event in the Marmara Sea signals the approaching disaster, stating, "Unless we listen to the voice of nature, it will be impossible for us to understand the consequences of global warming, which is the cause of all these catastrophes."
Dr. Esma Ulusoy, a Faculty Member in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (MDBF), made an assessment regarding the recent re-emergence of mucilage, also known as "sea snot."
Is mucilage a natural phenomenon?
Dr. Esma Ulusoy stated that mucilage, also known as "sea snow" or "sea snot," is a harmless, carbohydrate-rich, jelly-like organic secretion released from seed coats and roots in plants. She added, "Under stress conditions, it helps vital processes in plants such as nutrient storage, seedling development, and germination by ensuring moisture retention. This secretion can be abundantly produced by phytoplankton living in oceans, seas, and lakes under stress conditions (such as nutrient scarcity, colonization)."
“Sea water acidifying over time leads to abundant mucilage production”
Dr. Esma Ulusoy pointed out that these microscopic organisms, which produce a significant portion of the world's oxygen, are causing a tremendous environmental disaster, and stated the following:
"These phytoplankton thrive in stagnant, nitrogen and phosphorus-rich seawater, and begin to multiply rapidly in such environments. However, seawater that acidifies over time due to nitrogen and phosphorus stresses the excessively increasing phytoplankton, causing them to produce abundant mucilage. The presence of abundant oxygen, mucilage, and phytoplankton in the environment leads to an increase in harmful bacteria (causing diseases like Cholera, E. coli-colitis, etc.), protozoa (amoeba, etc.), and viruses that attach to them, feed on them, and consume oxygen. Over time, this abnormal food web, which begins within the sea, turns into a giant clot, covering both the sea surface and the seabed," she explained.
“Turning into a giant jelly, it stratifies on the surface”
Dr. Esma Ulusoy explained that mucilage, which increases with phytoplankton growth over 4-8 months, solidifies into a giant jelly with excessive warming of seawater and stratifies on the surface, thus blocking the passage of oxygen from the air and sunlight, and also causing the death of phytoplankton. She said, "Both the lack of oxygen and this sea snow reaching depths of meters lead to mass deaths of oxygen-dependent marine life such as fish, crustaceans, sponges, and corals, and these dead organisms, in turn, cause a terrible smell and an environmental disaster. Furthermore, mucilage settling on the seabed over time causes serious damage to marine life and fishing nets."
“Led to a rare environmental disaster in 2021”
Dr. Esma Ulusoy reminded that the mucilage event, especially observed in seas with enclosed, stagnant waters, was first observed in Turkey in 1992 by diving athletes in Erdek Bay. She informed, "The mucilage, which started in January 2021 and lasted for six months, spread rapidly from May onwards. Under the influence of currents and wind, it also affected the bays of Gemlik and Izmit, as well as the coastal areas of Istanbul, spreading over an area of 100 square kilometers and leading to a rare environmental disaster."
“The mucilage event warns us that disaster is approaching”
"The Marmara Sea, an inland sea that has managed to protect itself for so many years thanks to the currents of the Çanakkale and Istanbul Straits, is now warning us that disaster is approaching with the mucilage event," said Dr. Esma Ulusoy, concluding her remarks as follows:
"Increasing industrialization, rising population, increased ship traffic, and pollution caused by fertilizers and pesticides used in agricultural activities must be prevented through strict controls. For this, public awareness regarding waste management, the development of advanced wastewater treatment facilities, and the inspection of wastewater, fishing activities, ship bilge waters, agricultural chemicals, and fertilizers are vitally important.
“Global warming is the cause of all these catastrophes…”
Beyond all this, we must hear the cry of the Marmara Sea, which is beginning to die, of our seventy lakes that have dried up in the last 60 years, and of the numerous tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes seen in recent years. Unless we listen to the voice of nature, it will be impossible for us to understand the consequences of global warming, which is the cause of all these catastrophes.”