What is sea snot? Thanks for asking.
In the last few weeks, a thick and foul smelling foam known as mutilage has appeared in the Mahmara sea on Turkey's northwestern coast.
It's been unofficially dubbed sea snot by observers, which might sound like a name invented on a school playground.
But there's nothing funny about the environmental impact of this outbreak, which is a result of global warming and pollution.
How does this sea snot actually develop?
It occurs naturally over time due to a combination of several factors, algae in the water get a nutrient overload during warm weather, which is what's happened this year.
When the algae grow and spread out of control, they end up blocking sunlight, which can have a disastrous impact on marine life below.
This phenomenon is exacerbated by water pollution.
As coastal waters continue to heat up, the algae thrive.
It's particularly striking in this area due to the highly polluted denue river, which flows into the black sea.
The black sea and the Mahmara sea are connected by the boss for a straight.
Is this the first time the Mahmara sea has been impacted by sea snot?
Actually, it isn't. Back in 2007, sea snot already covered a part of the Mahmara sea, as well as appearing in the Aegean Sea near to Greece at the same time.
But that was to a far lesser extent, with the current outbreak being the largest on record.
The snot has been there for several weeks, and studies have shown it's no longer limited to the water surface, having now reached depths of up to 100 feet.
Do we know what the impact could be?
First of all, the smell is very unpleasant for residents in coastal cities.
Oh, you even stink would say that stinks!
But the more serious consequence is that on marine life and the fishing industry.
It's impossible for workers to get around in a small boat, and the sea snot has had a direct impact on the creatures living underwater.
The mucilages blocking sunlight and therefore the oxygen that flora and fauna need to survive.
Shell fishing crustaceans are dying, unable to breathe.
Is there a way to make this sea snot disappear?
Unfortunately that won't just happen overnight.
Most of suggested the situation could last the entire summer if drastic action isn't taken quickly.
Pressure is therefore on the authorities to find a solution.
In early June, Turkey's environment and urbanisation minister Murat Gurum announced the creation of a dedicated task force of 300 experts.
Chalos have already been deployed to begin a massive surface cleaning operation.
In the long run, the government has plans to address the mucilage issue by treating and reusing more waste water.
The rate currently stands at 3.2%, but the aim is to increase that to 5% by 2023 and reach 15% by 2030.
Within three months ships crossing the Moura will be banned from discharging waste water into the sea.
These measures are still considered insufficient by environmentalists and opposition party leaders who say wider changes in policy are needed.
There you have it. Now you know what sea snot is.
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