Marine Mucilage

In recent days, we have been observing a phenomenon called marine mucilage on Slovenian beaches, which can be unpleasant for both locals and tourists spending their holidays here. Marine mucilage, also known as sea snot or sea saliva, is a natural occurrence caused by phytoplankton releasing organic matter. It is usually found in deeper waters but is also not uncommon on the surface. The first records of this phenomenon date back to 1729, indicating a long-standing presence. However, intense research in this area began after 1988.

Marine mucilage can appear in different colors (most commonly white, pink, and brown), shapes, and sizes (ranging from a few millimeters to meters, and sometimes even kilometers). It is not inherently dangerous to bathers.

In the past, the phenomenon has dissolved on its own with the help of stronger winds and storms. It is expected that this will happen again when the weather changes.