Turkey’s president promised Saturday to rescue the Marmara Sea from an outbreak of “sea snot” that is alarming marine biologists and environmentalists.
A huge mass of marine mucilage, a thick, slimy substance made up of compounds released by marine organisms, has bloomed in Turkey's Marmara, as well as in the adjoining Black and Aegean Seas.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said untreated waste dumped into the Marmara Sea and climate change had caused the sea snot bloom. Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city with some 16 million residents, and five other provinces, factories and industrial hubs border the sea.
Marine mucilage has reached unprecedented levels this year in Turkey. It is visible above the water as a slimy gray sheet along the shores of Istanbul and neighboring provinces. Underwater videos showed suffocated coral covered with sea snot.
Erdogan said he instructed the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization to coordinate with relevant institutions, municipalities and universities. Teams are inspecting waste water and solid waste facilities, along with other potential sources of pollution, he said.
“We will save our seas from this mucilage calamity, leading with the Marmara Sea,” Erdogan said. “We must take this step without delay.”
Marine experts say that human waste and industrial pollution is choking Turkey’s seas. They say the rise in water temperatures from climate change is contributing to the problem.
Cheddar's CannaBiz explores the latest trends, politics, and market opportunity in this space. Cheddar Anchor's Brad Smith, Hope King and Alyssa Julya Smith speak with legislators and start-up founders in this emerging market.
This Changes Things: Advice for the executives and leaders of tomorrow, brought to you by American Express OPEN. On Between Bells: The Bachelor finale and big changes at ESPN. With Popular Science, Us Weekly, and more.
His new Amazon bestseller, "The Longevity Diet," helps patients to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives by slowing aging, fighting disease and optimizing weight. Dr. Valter Longo sits down with Alyssa Julya Smith in Los Angeles to share some of his secrets to living a healthier life.
Marrying your cousin has long been considered taboo, but new research says that procreating with your cousins may not be as risky as previously thought. Popular Science's Eleanor Cummins breaks down the findings.
Sarah Lewin, associate editor at Space.com, breaks down SpaceX's landmark 50th Falcon 9 launch. The rocket took off early Tuesday morning, launching a communications satellite into orbit.
The Dow closes up more than 300 points as trade war fears subside. Amazon is looking to team up with banks to build a checking account-type product. There's also new speculation on where Amazon's HQ2 might be located. Apple reportedly releasing a cheaper MacBook Air. Former Trump campaign aide refuses to cooperated and the Mueller investigation.
Every three minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with blood cancer. These people often rely on bone marrow donations to survive, but getting a match can be difficult. To make registering easier, the non-profit DKMS has launched virtual bone marrow drives.
Dina Fine Maron, health & science editor at Scientific American, discusses the breakthrough that could help doctors diagnose mental illnesses. Stem cells have enabled researchers to see how lithium affects the brain.
Eric Harris, president and chief operating officer at Cheddar, joins us to talk about the company's participation in Cycle for Survival, an indoor charity cycling event raising money for rare cancers.
Snap is planning to release new versions of its hugely unpopular Spectacles. The Weinstein Co. lives to fight another day after a last-minute deal emerged Thursday night.
