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MARTI
The Community Science Program of The Marmara Project
In collaboration with EarthEcho International and the National Geographic Society, we’re inviting young ocean lovers to observe, monitor and test the Marmara sea water.
Observations Collected
285
Jellyfish Sightings
70
Mucilage Reports
35
Pollutant Reports
110
Participating Locations
15
Through MARTI Ambassadors
From Bursa to Istanbul
Across the Marmara Sea
Both in the sea and on the shore
Across the Marmara Sea
ABOUT MARTI
Community Science for a Healthier Marmara Sea
With the support of EarthEcho's Monitor Water and National Geographic's Young Explorer program, MARTI brings together everyday people who care about the sea.
From students to divers, sailors, fishermen, families, and neighbors—share what you see along the coast and in the water. Help us track changes, identify problems early, and protect marine life and communities.
2025 – 2026 OBSERVATIONS
What has our Community seen?
From monthly reports of jellyfish sightings to pollution and mucilage outbreaks,
every data point add to the bigger picture.
Jellyfish Sightings
70 / 285
Mucilage Reports 35 / 285
Pollution Sightings 110 / 285
What We Track Together
MARTI COMMUNITY SCIENCE
Through MARTI, our community monitors and collects simple but powerful data that helps us understand the changes of the sea.
Mucilage
Bloom Tracking
Temperature
Surface Water
pH
Water Levels
Color
Water Clarity
Marine Life
Biodiversity
Pollution
Waste and Debris
Jellyfish
10 jellyfish sightings were reported in May, with the most common species being Moon Jellyfish and Compass Jellyfish. Observations came from both shoreline and open water, often in small clusters. Small jellyfish often indicate the presence of juvenile medusae—young jellyfish in their early life stage. April through May marks their peak hatching season, so sightings during this time are expected. Their numbers can reflect natural breeding patterns or, in some cases, ecological imbalances triggered by warmer temperatures and nutrient-rich waters.
Mucilage
Mucilage reports from May noted the presence of flake-type clusters near the shoreline—thin, early-stage formations commonly seen before a full bloom. Flocs (also called flakes) are among the earliest visible signs of mucilage formation. These small, thread-like clusters of phytoplankton often signal the beginning of a potential bloom. If conditions remain favorable—such as stagnant waters and nutrient buildup—these flakes can rapidly grow into thick, sponge-like mats that stretch from the sea surface to the seafloor, threatening marine life and water quality.
Plastic
18 reports across the Marmara region included observations of plastic pollution, both in the sea and across the shoreline, divided into Microplastics, Macroplastics and unidentifiable waste. Plastic pollution poses one of the most persistent threats to the Marmara Sea. Regular community reporting not only maps pollution hotspots—it also helps us track trends, identify sources, and push for targeted cleanups and policy change.
SIGHTING LOCATIONS
Where Observations are Happening
Reports come from communities all around the Marmara Sea.
Mudanya was the top reported location in 2025, leading 45% of all observations.
COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS
