Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Istanbul University Press, İstanbul, 2024
It is with great pleasure and a sense of environmental urgency that we present this com-
prehensive volume, “Ecological Changes in the Sea of Marmara.” This collection of papers
represents a collaborative effort from esteemed researchers and experts in major ecological
fields to shed light on the intricate web of ecological transformations taking place in the Sea
of Marmara.
As the gateway between the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara occupies
a unique and crucial position between these contrasting marine ecosystems. Regrettably, a
myriad of human-mediated challenges, with climate change at the forefront, has significantly
impacted the delicate ecology of this semi-enclosed sea. The discharge of various pollutants,
ranging from plastics to turbidity, coupled with the introduction of invasive species, has
wrought considerable consequences. The mucilage crisis of 2020-2021 serves as a poignant
illustration, vividly highlighting how unforeseen disasters can manifest when the cumulative
effects of anthropogenic activities reach a tipping point.
The book unfolds with a geological perspective, delving into the Middle-Late Pleistocene
paleoceanographic evolution of the Marmara Sea and its interconnectedness with neighbor-
ing Black Sea and Aegean Sea. The narrative then weaves through palynological and pale-
ontological records, providing insights into the shifts from glacial-stage oxygenated brackish
conditions to postglacial hypoxic, periodically dysoxic environments.
The volume delves into the realm of pollution and noise, addressing the contemporary
challenges faced by the Sea of Marmara. Papers explore changes in nutrient levels and eu-
trophication, the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), organochlorine pesticides,
pharmaceuticals, surfactants, and petroleum hydrocarbons. The impact of terrestrial inputs
on nutrient dynamics and the environmental aspects of ballast water in maritime transpor-
tation add layers to the discussion. Marine litter and anthropogenic noise pollution receive
dedicated attention, unraveling their temporal and spatial variations.
The microscopic world of bacteria and plankton is unveiled with papers examining the
bacterial composition of the Sea of Marmara, phytoplankton community shifts after muci-
lage events, distribution of dinoflagellate cysts, and the detection and tracking of mucilage
phenomena through remote sensing. The dynamic changes in zooplankton, ichthyoecology,
and the presence of macrojellyfish further illuminate the complex interplay within the marine
ecosystem.
Changes in benthic ecosystems are also encompassed; with insights into the macrophy-
tobenthic species diversity of the Sea of Marmara, soft-bottom macrobenthic assemblages
around the south Marmara Islands, and the temporary and spatial changes in benthic macro-
fauna of the eastern Marmara Sea.
The final section explores the fisheries, ecosystem, and governance aspects. Papers
evaluate fishing impacts, present a comprehensive overview of fisheries, and review chon-
drichthyan species occurrence. The intricate relationship between cetaceans and the Turkish
Straits System, the status of alcyonarians in the Sea of Marmara, the introduction of non-in-
digenous marine species, and the assessment of artificial reef applications further deepen our
understanding.The book concludes with innovative approaches, proposing revolutionary pollution re-
duction technologies, evaluating watershed plans, and presenting guidelines for an ecosys-
tem model focused on the trophic status of the Sea of Marmara. The journey culminates
with a historical perspective on multi-stakeholder sustainable environmental management.
“Ecological Changes in the Sea of Marmara” represents more than a compendium of pa-
pers—it embodies an integration of novel findings and a compelling imperative for proactive
measures. This work aspires to serve as a pivotal reference for policymakers, scientists, en-
vironmental advocates, and the global community, fostering collaborative efforts to conserve
and rehabilitate the intricate ecological equilibrium of this essential marine ecosystem.
Finally, it is our pleasure to thank all the experts who contributed to the book and Re-
search Assistant Esin Yüksel Durmaz from Istanbul University, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences,
who contributed to the compilation of the book.