Ministry, municipalities to meet on 'sea snot' problem in Marmara

Photo: AA

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As "sea snot" or marine mucilage has been spreading in the Sea of Marmara since February, Minister of Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum has said that an action plan in this regard will be announced on June 6.

Also, the ministry and the Union of Municipalities of Marmara Region will hold a meeting about the issue tomorrow (June 4).

The ministry has been criticized for its inaction as the problem is becoming worse.

Thick layers of mucilage have been observed both on the surface and at the bottom of the Sea of Marmara, an inland sea in northwestern Turkey that separates the country's Asian and European parts.

Photo: Serço Ekşiyan

CLICK - Bottom of Sea of Marmara also covered with sea snot, underwater photos show

"Sea snot" is the overgrowth of microscopic algae called phytoplankton. The thick, mucus-like slimy layer contains a variety of microorganisms and is caused by an increase in seawater temperature due to global warming, stillness at sea and pollution.

Discharge of domestic and industrial waste, maritime and fishing activities also affect the sea.

To prevent marine mucilage, waste must be discharged after refinement, the process of removing impurities.

About 25 million people live in seven cities on the coast of Marmara.

(TP/VK)