Deadly Goo in Sea of Marmara May Smother Marine Life, Ecologists Warn

According to local media, a slimy grey layer covering the surface of the Sea of Marmara has been spreading since February. Scientists believe climate change and the discharge of polluted water into the sea have contributed to the problem.

Sea snot near the Turkish city of Istanbul poses a threat to marine life, ecologists have warned. Yes, you read that correctly. The Sea of Marmara has the snuffles and environmentalists say it is deadly. The oozy substance contains a variety of microorganisms, including algae, which flourishes during the inflow of nutrient-rich sewage water.

Professor Muharrem Balci of Istanbul University said the rapid growth of algae prevents sunrays from entering the water and consequently depletes it of oxygen, which is essential for marine life to survive.

Photos taken by drones show the slimy grey substance covering large parts of the sea.

​Professor Balci notes that the sea snot is not only on the surface, but has also gone into the water and is now 25 to 30 metres deep.

Workers are now trying to remove the dangerous substance, but so far their attempts have been unsuccessful.

As mentioned earlier, ecologists blame the increase in seawater temperature, believed to be due to climate change, as well as pollution for the disaster. In order to prevent the formation of marine mucilage, domestic and industrial water should be purified before being discharged into the sea, environmentalists say.

Sourse: sputniknews.com