Slimy marine mucilage takes over Marmara sea

Istanbul, Jun 4 (EFE).- A thick layer of foam and marine mucilage has taken over large parts of the coast of Istanbul and the Sea of Marmara.

The phenomenon, caused by global warming, can have devastating effects on coastal marine ecosystems, scientists warn.

The white foam and slimy substance covering the coastal waters in the Asian side of Istanbul derive from microalgae and phytoplankton that reduce the oxygen available in water.

The smelly gunk is scaring beachgoers and swimmers away from beaches, even though the foam is not toxic to humans.

It is however making fishermen’s lives harder as fishing nets are getting stuck in the mucilage.

With increased pollution of the Sea of Marmara by sewage due to Istanbul’s growing population and rising water temperature due to global warming, experts fear the phenomenon could be here to stay. EFE

iut/mp/ks