Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vice-Rector, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Head of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, made evaluations regarding the mucilage problem affecting the Sea of Marmara.
The Cleaned Section is the Tip of the Iceberg
Experts emphasize the danger, stating that the mucilage, which has been affecting the Sea of Marmara for months, is a result of the ecosystem degradation occurring over years. Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk noted that mucilage emerges as a self-protection reflex of organisms stressed by the deterioration of the marine ecosystem, warning, “The material we are currently cleaning superficially is the tip of the iceberg. Let's assume that the real mucilage is at the bottom of the sea. Organisms at the bottom of the sea produce more mucilage.”
There are Fundamental Factors Leading to Mucilage
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, addressing the fundamental causes of the mucilage danger in the Sea of Marmara, stated, “At the forefront of non-biological natural factors, there are two different water layers in the Sea of Marmara, constantly flowing. This is the water flow towards the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. At the core of the water flow, the salinity of the surface water is lower than that of the bottom water. The water in the region is exposed to more heating because it directly contacts the sun. This creates one of the basic conditions for mucilage formation. It is both the difference in salinity and temperature, and the flow of the two layers with surface difference without contacting each other.”
Decreased Oxygen Levels Lead to Deaths of Organisms
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk emphasized the presence of living and non-living factors in the ecosystem, stating, “These factors are in constant communication and interaction with each other. If you break one of the chains forming this ecosystem or interfere with several of them, putting them under stress, these organisms develop certain defense mechanisms to protect themselves as a result of this stress. This mucilage reduces the oxygen level, especially by covering the surroundings of organisms and the outer surfaces of other living beings. The oxygen level in the sea decreases, and this reduced oxygen level causes the deaths of organisms.”
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk noted that the sulfur content in the Sea of Marmara is currently quite high, and when sulfur and phosphorus levels significantly increase, a stress condition occurs in some marine organisms. To counteract this stress, they secrete a protein mixture of glycoprotein and organic acid, which in turn forms mucilage.
Superficially Cleaned Mucilage is the Tip of the Iceberg
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk added that mucilage can create great dangers, stating, “The material we are currently cleaning superficially is the tip of the iceberg. Let's assume that the real mucilage is at the bottom of the sea. Organisms at the bottom of the sea produce more mucilage. Also, there are materials produced by plankton living and moving in the upper layer and by certain single-celled organisms we call protists.”
The Biggest Factor is Pollution
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk stated, “Under normal circumstances, there is a balance in the ecosystem. If you don't interfere with it, if you don't stir it up and disturb it with your own hands, that system can repair itself. Its first signs were gradually seen 20-25 years ago, but of course, people didn't take them very seriously at that time. If people continue their destructive effects against these natural phenomena or against the ecosystem in nature without stopping, nature will take its revenge on us. The ultimate outcome is the end of life. Currently, the most fundamental factors in the formation of this event in the Sea of Marmara are pollution and, due to this pollution, the excessive amounts of sulfur and phosphorus from industrial and domestic waste.”
We Are Seeing the Result of Years of Pollution and Our Reckless Behavior
Konuk, stating that humans are the creatures harming nature, said; “Humans themselves disrupted it; they will fix it themselves. I tell my students in class: There is no creature wilder than humans in nature. Humans do everything for their own benefit, to exploit, disrupting nature's normal functioning system. Why has the ozone layer thinned? Again, it's a human consequence. Why are lakes drying up? Why are trees being destroyed? Isn't the result again human? In fact, humans are doing everything they can to bring about their own end. Since the Sea of Marmara is a relatively small inland sea, it cannot handle that pollution; the currents are not entirely sufficient. However, according to current scientific studies, that is, the studies conducted by ecologists, problems will definitely arise in the entire Mediterranean basin in the future. Everyone needs to take the necessary measures without blaming each other. Because this is not a problem of today; it is the result of years of pollution and our reckless behavior.”