Marine biology expert warns of mucilage spread in Marmara
Aerial view of mucilage on the sea. (Adobe Stock Photo)
A concerning escalation of the mucilage crisis in the Sea of Marmara has been highlighted by Prof. Mustafa Sari of Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University’s Maritime Faculty.
Sharing underwater and surface footage from Erdek and Gemlik bays, Sari warned on Saturday that the mucilage, or “sea snot,” which once primarily lingered at the seabed, has now started appearing on the water’s surface.
“Both the surface and the depths of the sea are now covered with mucilage,” Sari stated, urging immediate action to address the environmental crisis.
The professor’s analysis draws from footage captured in Erdek Bay on Nov. 6, 2024, showing mucilage blanketing the seabed, alongside imagery from Gemlik Bay on Jan. 23, 2025, where the phenomenon has visibly reached the surface.
In a social media post, Sari emphasized the gravity of the situation:
“Pay attention to the two images. The left shows the surface of Gemlik Bay, while the right reveals the seabed in Erdek Bay. This is a critical warning — the mucilage below is now surfacing, and the risk is spreading.”
Looming danger for Marmara’s ecosystem
The professor noted that mucilage has already begun sporadically appearing along piers, ports, marinas, and fishing harbors in Gemlik Bay and other Marmara coastlines. “Soon, we are likely to see it consistently on the surface in other bays and low-current areas,” Sari cautioned.
The emergence of mucilage during the warmer spring months could have severe consequences for the region, he added. “When the mucilage spreads across the surface of the entire Marmara Sea, it will significantly harm marine ecosystems, fisheries, tourism, and maritime sectors,” he said.
Marine Biologists calls Turkish government to action
Sari called on government agencies, local administrations, private industries, and civil society to act collectively and reduce waste levels in the sea. “Marmara has been treated as a dumping ground for years. We must act swiftly before the waters warm further,” he urged.
The crisis also demands long-term sustainable solutions to mitigate impacts on industries and communities dependent on the sea, Sari said, adding, “Pointing fingers won’t solve the problem.”
The mucilage phenomenon, exacerbated by pollution and rising sea temperatures, first gained widespread attention in 2021. Its resurgence highlights ongoing environmental challenges in the region.
Time-sensitive mucilage crisis in Sea of Marmara
“Spring will bring even greater losses unless immediate and decisive action is taken,” Sari warned. He encouraged all stakeholders under the Marmara Sea Action Plan to implement measures before the situation worsens.
