Experts Predict Mucilage-Free Summer for Marmara Sea: Clean Waters Ahead

Marmara Sea

Recent discussions held in Istanbul brought attention to the myriad threats faced by the Marmara Sea’s marine life.

These threats include fluctuations in oxygen levels, changes in water temperature, and the ongoing risk of mucilage formation.

Representatives from scientific communities and NGOs highlighted the critical need for continued vigilance.

Insights from Marine Experts

The head of the Marine Research and Technologies Group, Ibrahim Tan, underlined the complexity of the mucilage issue.

He pointed out that mucilage is not caused by a single factor but results from a combination of climate conditions, pollution, and other contributing elements.

“When you talk about mucilage, it does not depend on only on one factor,” Tan noted.

Tan’s insights emphasize that while the threat of mucilage this summer is minimal, continuous monitoring remains essential.

Monitoring efforts span both the Marmara Sea and other regions, aimed at understanding and mitigating the combined influences that could lead to another mucilage outbreak.

Current Risk and Preventive Measures

Despite a significant mucilage event in 2021, current indicators suggest a lower risk this year.

Efforts by various stakeholders, including strategies implemented by the ministry, have contributed to reducing this immediate threat.

Nonetheless, the region’s high population density, intensive industrial activities, and agricultural runoff continue to exert pressure on the marine environment.

Potential Future Risks

Tan warned that as long as these pressures persist, the possibility of mucilage reoccurrence remains.

He stressed the importance of reducing these pressures to prevent future outbreaks.

Climate factors such as warm winters and stagnant meteorological conditions could trigger mucilage formation if preventive measures are not adequately maintained.

Reflection on the 2021 Crisis

Focusing on the 2021 crisis, Tan explained that a particular combination of a warm winter and stagnant atmospheric conditions played a critical role in the extensive mucilage formation that year.

Highlighting the necessity of multi-faceted approaches, he called for resilience in facing ongoing and future environmental challenges.

Posted by Thomas Callaghan

I hold a degree in Marine Biology and have spent years conducting fieldwork, from the coral reefs of the Pacific to the deep trenches of the Atlantic. My work focuses on understanding the intricate relationships within marine ecosystems and the impact of human activity on these fragile environments.