No escape from the mucilage impact: Even opportunistic hydroids were affected in the catastrophic mucilage of 2021 in the Sea of Marmara

This study examines the effects of sedimentation and mucilage events on the hydroid communities of the Prince Islands, Sea of Marmara. Sampling in October 2021 and April 2022 revealed significant declines in hydroid abundance post the 2021 mucilage event, contrasting with increases observed in 2015 after excessive sedimentation in the area. Statistical analyses demonstrate temporal variations in hydroid assemblages, underscoring the ecological consequences of mucilage events on benthic communities. The unprecedented scale and prolonged duration of the 2021 mucilage event accentuate the magnitude of its impact on marine ecosystems. The decline in hydroid abundance following the mucilage event suggests a significant ecological impact, with implications for the recovery and resilience of benthic ecosystems. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex interactions between environmental stressors and benthic communities, emphasizing the importance of proactive management strategies that preserve marine biodiversity in the face of anthropogenic pressures and climate change.