Utilizing Marine Meadows and Pina Mussels to Combat Muslaj in the Marmara Sea
A new project aimed at protecting the marine ecosystem in the Marmara Sea has been launched under the MUSLAGE mobilization. The project, called “Mar-Çayir” and “Mar-Pina,” is a collaboration between the General Directorate of Protection of Natural Assets and Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University.
The project involves scanning the 1300-kilometer coastline in the Marmara Sea and Islands Special Environmental Protection Zone using underwater screening and visual counting methods. It was discovered that 52 percent of the coastline in the scanning area is covered with sea meadows, which have the potential to produce 4 different types of meadows and can generate 4-20 liters of oxygen through photosynthesis.
The main goal of the project is to prevent the formation of mucilage in the Marmara Sea by protecting these sea meadows and increasing their numbers in the coastal ecosystem. Sea meadows act as a natural barrier in coastal interaction and play a crucial role in combating climate change by serving as an anti-erosion and carbon sink.
In addition to the “Mar-Çayir” project, the “Mar-Pina” project focuses on the Mediterranean Endemik Pina Mussel. These mussels have the remarkable ability to clean 6 liters of seawater per hour, making them natural water treatment devices. It was found that the Marmara Sea is home to the only healthy population of Pina mussels in the world.
It is believed that Pina mussels will play a vital role in maintaining the natural balance of the sea and contribute significantly to the fight against mucilage by reproducing. These projects reflect a proactive approach to protecting the marine ecosystem and ensuring the sustainability of the Marmara Sea’s biodiversity.
