Mucilage or “sea snot” is the result of the overgrowth of microscopic algae called phytoplankton, which is the most basic of biological production in the sea. Sea snot is a thick, slimy layer which houses a variety of microorganisms.

Sea snot formation, which is a secretion released into the sea after changes and anomalies in sea conditions, requires a stagnant sea and high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Sea snot is actually part of a natural process under normal conditions. However, it can expand excessively when the weather gets warmer in the spring months with ideal temperature and light conditions.

However, as in the famous case of the Sea of Marmara in Turkey in summer 2022, the structure of the sea combined with intense pollution and waste, and global climate change, are the main reasons beyond such intense mucilage formation.

The mucilage causes visual pollution and bad odor, but most importantly is a serious threat to the marine ecosystem. Sea snot prevents oxygen transfer by covering the area from the sea surface to 30 meters deep. This leads to the death of immobile organisms such as mussels, oysters, and pina, particularly sponges and corals.

Fish larvae and eggs are also severely harmed by mucilage. Consequently, fish stocks are harmed and can become unstable.

To reduce the dangers of sea snot we need to reduce and stop global warming, and prevent so much pollution reaching our oceans. We currently use our seas and oceans as dumping grounds, and this always has detrimental affects on the marine ecosystems.

We need your help to protect more of our precious wildlife and ecosystems.