In the wake of the great mucilage disaster that smothered the Sea of Marmara between 2021 and 2022, scientists have been busy unraveling the impacts on marine life. A recent study, published in ‘Aquatic Sciences and Engineering’ and led by Buminhan Burkay Selçuk from the University of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart, Institute of Natural Sciences, sheds light on how the disaster affected the juvenile Sand steenbras, a fish species that calls these waters home.
The Sea of Marmara, a crucial body of water connecting the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea, was hit hard by the mucilage, a thick, slimy substance that choked coastal areas. These coastal zones are vital nurseries for juvenile fish, providing them with essential food and shelter. The study, which sampled fish from 12 stations along the sea, revealed that Sand steenbras were abundant in 10 out of the 12 stations. This shows that the fish is a common juvenile species in the Sea of Marmara.
But how did the mucilage affect their growth and survival? The study found that Sand steenbras juveniles hatched between May and January, with a peak in October. This is significant because the mucilage had completely disappeared from the environment in August. As Selçuk put it, “Thus, Sand steenbras can be considered as able to reproduce under these environmental conditions.” This resilience is a silver lining for the maritime industry, suggesting that some fish species can adapt and reproduce even in the face of environmental disasters.
The study also calculated the daily growth and mortality rates of the fish. The daily growth rate was 0.226 mm/day, and the mortality rate was 4.11%. This information is crucial for fisheries management and conservation efforts. The fish’s ability to grow and survive despite the mucilage disaster offers a glimmer of hope for the maritime sector, which relies heavily on healthy fish populations.
The study also revealed that the daily age of the Sand steenbras juveniles ranged between 38-235 days, with a mean of 120.3 ± 1.8 days. This information, along with the hatch date distribution, can help in understanding the spatial distribution and movement patterns of the fish. This, in turn, can inform fishing practices and conservation strategies.
So, what does this mean for the maritime sector? Well, for starters, it’s a wake-up call. The mucilage disaster was a stark reminder of the fragility of marine ecosystems and the need for sustainable practices. However, it’s also an opportunity. The resilience of the Sand steenbras offers a chance to study and understand how fish species adapt to environmental changes. This knowledge can be used to develop strategies for sustainable fishing and conservation.
The findings of this study, published in ‘Aquatic Sciences and Engineering’, are a stepping stone towards understanding the impacts of environmental disasters on marine life and the maritime sector. As Selçuk and his team continue to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Sea of Marmara, one thing is clear: the sea is a resilient place, and so are its inhabitants.