Worrying images: Mucilage has turned into cloud clusters in the Sea of Marmara!

Mucilage formation, which was previously observed in the Sea of Marmara in 2007-2008 and 2021, is threatening the marine ecosystem again this year.

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı announced in a post on his social media account that they had informed the authorities about the approaching mucilage danger in October, but because no measures were taken, the mucilage spread and turned into large cloud clusters.

Stating that only a small portion of the heavy cloud clusters will rise to the surface, Prof. Dr. Sarı said that the portion that will sink to the bottom poses a great danger to the ecosystem in the sea.

Sarı also included images taken by Serço Ekşiyan east of Sedef Island on May 7. It was observed that the mucilage, which exists in small particles from the surface, becomes so dense towards the depths that visibility is reduced to zero.

Mucilage Has Turned Into Cloud Clusters!

The mucilage, which we noticed as soon as it formed at the end of October and informed all authorities about, has spread, developed, scattered, and turned into large cloud clusters under our watch due to the lack of measures taken.

The heavy cloud clusters will sink to the bottom on one hand… pic.twitter.com/vjvYZDvv1o

— Mustafa SARI, Prof. Dr. (@profmustafasari) May 7, 2025

Calling on the authorities, Sarı said, "Not even 1 liter of untreated wastewater should be released into the Sea of Marmara. A country that equips all its roads with traffic enforcement cameras (EDS) cannot be unaware of or unable to see those who pollute its seas and waters. Please stop acting as if you are unaware and take action now."

The full statement by Prof. Dr. Sarı is as follows:

"Mucilage Has Turned Into Cloud Clusters!

The mucilage, which we noticed as soon as it formed at the end of October and informed all authorities about, has spread, developed, scattered, and turned into large cloud clusters under our watch due to the lack of measures taken.

The heavy cloud clusters will sink to the bottom on one hand, and only a very small portion will rise to the surface. While the mucilage rising to the surface causes anxiety about 'Will we be able to swim in the sea this summer?', very few people will worry about 'What will happen to the marine life inside this mucilage?'.

The image was taken east of Sedef Island on May 7, 2025 (today). The mucilage, which starts as tiny particles from the surface, has turned into clusters so dense that visibility is zero between 12-18 meters. Sea pens (a type of soft coral) at a depth of 44 meters are surrounded by mucilage.

Not even 1 liter of untreated wastewater should be released into the Sea of Marmara. A country that equips all its roads with traffic enforcement cameras (EDS) cannot be unaware of or unable to see those who pollute its seas and waters. Please stop acting as if you are unaware and take action now.

Fish, crabs, and pen shells do not know about parties, presidents, or ministers. What they know is that their home, the sea, is being polluted by humans, invaded by mucilage, and rendered uninhabitable. Please stop blaming each other, stop the bickering, and look at the sea!

The image was taken by sea lover and Marmara's secret keeper, dear Serço Ekşiyan. Thank you, Mr. Serço."

News Source: 12punto