"One Breath of Hope to Marmara" dive by Sahika Ercumen to increase awareness of mucilage in Turkiye's Balikesir

BALIKESIR, TURKIYE - MAY 24: United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Turkiye 'Defender of Life in Water' World Free Diving record holder Sahika Ercumen descended to the depths of Marmara sea to increase awareness of mucilage (sea saliva) in Balikesir, Turkiye on May 24, 2025. Mucilage in the Marmara Sea is driven by a combination of rising sea surface temperatures, the discharge of untreated waste into the water, and the sea's unique semi-enclosed structure that limits water circulation. Following the major outbreak in 2021, monitoring and cleanup efforts have continued, with experts reporting partial improvements despite periodic increases in mucilage levels. (Photo by Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)