Context: Turkey’s Sea of Marmara, that connects the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea, has witnessed the largest outbreak of ‘sea snot’. The sludge has also been spotted in the adjoining Black and Aegean seas.

• There has been growing environmental concern in Turkey over the accumulation of ‘sea snot’, a slimy layer of grey or green sludge in the country’s seas, which can cause considerable damage to the marine ecosystem.

About Sea Snot

• ‘Sea snot’ is marine mucilage that is formed when algae are overloaded with nutrients as a result of water pollution combined with the effects of climate change.
• A ‘sea snot’ outbreak was first recorded in the country in 2007. Back then, it was also spotted in the Aegean Sea near Greece.
• But the current outbreak in the Sea of Marmara is by far the biggest in the country’s history.
• The nutrient overload occurs when algae feast on warm weather caused by global warming. Water pollution adds to the problem.
• Environmental experts have said that the overproduction of phytoplankton caused by climate change and the uncontrolled dumping of household and industrial waste into the seas has led to the present crisis.

Key Concerns

• It has spread through the sea south of Istanbul and also blanketed harbours and shorelines.
• It is posing a severe threat to the marine ecosystem of the country- it has caused mass deaths among the fish population, and also killed other aquatic organisms such as corals and sponges.
• If unchecked, this can collapse to the bottom and cover the sea floor, causing major damage to the marine ecosystem.
• Over a period of time, it could end up poisoning all aquatic life, including fishes, crabs, oysters, mussels and sea stars.
• Besides aquatic life, the ‘sea snot’ outbreak has also affected the livelihoods of fishermen.
• It can also cause an outbreak of water-borne diseases such as cholera in cities like Istanbul.

Steps that are being Taken

• The entire Sea of Marmara will be turned into a protected area.
• Moreover, steps are being taken to reduce pollution and improve treatment of waste water from coastal cities and ships.
• Turkey’s biggest maritime clean-up operation is being launched and called on local residents, artists and NGOs to join hands to extend assistance.