Sea Saliva Resurgence in Sea of Marmara Alarms Authorities – Latest Update
SEA OF MARMARA FACES GROWING POLLUTION CRISIS
The Sea of Marmara is in urgent need of attention as pollution levels continue to rise unchecked. Despite efforts to curb waste dumping, the sea is being deprived of oxygen, leading to an increase in pollution levels. Experts are now warning that the nightmare of sea saliva, a thick layer of organic matter that forms on the sea surface, may resurface.
Maritime and Aquaculture Expert Zafer Murat Çetintaş highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that there are 54 different types of pollutants in the Marmara Sea. From industrial waste to pesticides flowing into streams, various sources contribute to the pollution crisis. The lack of oxygen at the bottom of the sea is primarily attributed to the formation of sea saliva, which accumulates waste and solidifies over time. Çetintaş warned that unless urgent action is taken, the situation may escalate rapidly, similar to what was witnessed in 2020.
The last occurrence of sea saliva in the Marmara Sea was in November 2020, but subsequent pollution levels have only worsened since then. Despite the scientific committee’s efforts to address the issue and implement solutions, progress has been slow. Lack of biological treatment facilities and waste collection systems along the coastlines exacerbate the problem, putting the entire ecosystem at risk.
Çetintaş emphasized the need for increased inspections and immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the Marmara Sea. With a population of nearly 24 million people in Istanbul alone, the pollution generated from various sources poses a significant threat to the sea’s health. Unless proactive measures are taken, the contamination may spread to neighboring seas, such as the Aegean and Black Sea, endangering marine life and ecosystems.
The alarm has been raised, and it is crucial for authorities and communities to work together to safeguard the Sea of Marmara before it is too late. The future of this vital water body hangs in the balance, and urgent steps must be taken to preserve its health and biodiversity.
