Report:
Under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change; studies were conducted on the mucilage, which has reappeared in the Sea of Marmara. These studies were carried out in collaboration with the METU Marine Sciences Institute and Istanbul University Marine Sciences and Management Institute. A team of 15 people from the METU Marine Sciences Institute, led by the research ship named “Science-2”, began their research in April. They traveled from the Bosphorus to the Gulf of Izmit, collected samples from the sea, and examined them. Marmara Sea Action Plan Science and Technical Board Member and METU Marine Sciences Institute Director, Prof. Dr. Barış Salihoğlu, stated that their latest research in the Marmara Sea has been completed. He explained that the mucilage-like structures found in the sea are actually pollen that causes algae proliferation.
Prof. Dr. Salihoğlu emphasized the increasing pollution in the seas and the inadequate oxygen levels. He mentioned that in their research at the end of March and the beginning of April, mucilage was not visible on the column and surface. Through a joint expedition organized by METU and Istanbul University marine science institutes, it was determined that the formations were organic structures such as pollen, algae, dead jellyfish, and plants. However, the pollution and oxygen deficiency in the sea still persist. Prof. Dr. Salihoğlu highlighted the importance of the measures taken so far and the need to continue them with determination. A scientific committee has been formed and a strategic plan has been put forward to address these issues. The aim is to minimize human impact on the sea.
Prof. Dr. Salihoğlu also expressed his satisfaction with the increasing sensitivity towards the environment. He emphasized the importance of preventing environmental and domestic waste from polluting the sea. He mentioned that professors are working on various aspects of marine pollution and that technologies should also be utilized. Ecosystem-based studies, including purification, transportation, obtaining food from the sea, and city planning, are being conducted by the professors.
ESG Risks:
– Pollution in the seas
– Inadequate oxygen levels in the sea
– Algae proliferation caused by pollen
– Organic structures such as pollen, algae, dead jellyfish, and plants
– Pollution situation and lack of oxygen in the sea persisting
– Human pressure on the sea
Vulnerable Groups:
– Marine life and ecosystems
Organisations:
– Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change
– METU Marine Sciences Institute
– Istanbul University Marine Sciences and Management Institute
Sectors:
– Environmental
– Marine
Keywords:
– Mucilage
– Sea of Marmara
– Pollution
– Oxygen levels
– Algae proliferation
– Organic structures
– Scientific committee
– Strategic plan
– Human impact
– Sensitivity towards the environment
– Marine pollution
– Ecosystem-based studies
– Purification
– Transportation
– Food from the sea
– City planning