Muhammed Enes Yildirim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Photographer Muhammed Enes Yildirim
Agency Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
The Sea of Marmara in north-west Turkey is facing a destructive pollution problem in the form of marine mucilage, also known as sea snot. Photographer Muhammed Enes Yildirim captured striking images of the thick swathes of mucus and microorganisms, including phytoplankton, that have accumulated on the surface. This year’s outbreak of marine mucilage is the largest and most damaging, stretching down to approximately 30 metres. The excessive nutrients from untreated waste water have fueled the growth of microorganisms, resulting in the excessive production of mucus. Marine mucilage has become a significant environmental concern, suffocating marine life and disrupting fishing and tourism in Turkey’s waters. The COVID-19 lockdowns led to an increase in domestic waste water and detergent being released into the sea, making the clean-up efforts more difficult. Researchers also predict that climate change will exacerbate the situation, leading to more algal blooms and marine mucilage.
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