Anadolu Agency monitors mucilage formation at bottom of Sea of Marmara

ISTANBUL 

An Anadolu Agency team dived into the Sea of Marmara to monitor the mucilage that was intensely spread over a wide area.

The team consisting of Ercan Akpolat, Serco Eksiyan, Ates Evirgen and photojournalist Sebnem Coskun monitored the situation at a depth of 30 meters (98 feet) off the Tavsan Island.

It was observed that the visibility was near zero and the intensity was many times higher than the dive performed by the same team a month ago.

The team noted that the mucilage, which can be seen intensely on the underwater rock formations, has the appearance of a spider web.
Akpolat from the team said that the mucilage seen from the outside would rise as it rots below.

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"Mucilage" in Marmara Sea

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - JUNE 15: A diver is seen as mucilage continues to be effective under water and to be threat for sea creatures in Sea of Marmara, Istanbul, Turkey on June 15, 2021. ( Şebnem Coşkun - Anadolu Agency )

Mucilage, also known as "sea snot," is an overgrowth of microscopic algae called phytoplankton and is caused by rising seawater temperatures due to global warming, stagnant water and pollution.

On June 6, Turkish authorities announced a 22-point action plan to clear a surge of mucilage covering parts of the Sea of Marmara in the country's northwest.

The mucilage – mainly accumulated in Mudanya, Gemlik Bay, Gebze and its surroundings, the coastal areas of Istanbul's Anatolian side, and around the Princes' Islands – also partially covered the shores of the Sea of Marmara.

The recent winds dispersed the substance covering the central coast of the northwestern Yalova province to coastal areas of the Cinarcik and Armutlu districts as well as the town of Esenkoy, which are important touristic hubs.

*Writing by Sena Guler in Ankara