Mucilage problem in the Marmara Sea is growing! Expert explains the reasons

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı, a faculty member at the Faculty of Maritime Studies at Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, stated that mucilage is caused by pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus entering the sea, combined with stagnant water conditions and rising temperatures. He noted that deep-sea discharge systems and untreated water coming from the Ergene River are further worsening the situation.

HE PROPOSED A SOLUTION FOR MUCILAGE

Sarı emphasized that industrial waste must be monitored, advanced biological treatment systems must be activated, and the dumping of sludge into the sea must be stopped. Stating that saving the Sea of Marmara is critical not only for the ecosystem but for the future of millions of people, Sarı said that cooperation between central and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals is mandatory.

Noting that this situation is the result of a flawed relationship established with the sea, Sarı stated the following:

"The reappearance of mucilage as a result of the wrong relationship we have established with the sea should alarm us all. When mucilage emerged in 2021, a scientific committee was formed, and a coordination board was established. A Marmara Sea Protection Action Plan, consisting of 22 actions, was prepared with very broad participation. A strategic plan was prepared in accordance with the main framework created by the scientific committee, and all of these were put into practice. What was our goal? To reach a mucilage-free Marmara. Unfortunately, mucilage reappeared on October 23, 2024. What we have done is valuable and precious, but it is understood that it has not been enough," he said.

THE COMMITTEE MET ON DECEMBER 25

Stating that the Scientific Committee met again on December 25 and that scientists once again explained what needs to be done, Sarı said, "We will reduce the waste load of the sea. So, how should we do this? We must do it through cooperation by taking the contributions of the central government, local government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and every single citizen living around the Sea of Marmara. Industrial facilities discharge their waste into streams with very little treatment. We have to make a flow-based discharge regulation. We must immediately prevent the waste discharge of industrial facilities through inspections. We have a lot of waste treatment plants. They are not working properly. We need to make them work properly. Whoever is responsible must take action immediately. On the other hand, we need to encourage citizens to help the sea by organizing a national campaign. I can contribute to the Sea of Marmara by producing less waste as an individual. Someone else can do this too," he said.

News Source: İHA