Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized past administrations for their role in the ongoing mucilage crisis plaguing Turkish waters, claiming that the public is paying the price for their negligence. During a speech at the Yenikapi Fisherman’s Shelter in Istanbul, Erdogan referenced the recent appearance of mucilage, a thick, gelatinous substance, in the Izmir Gulf, drawing parallels to the similar issue experienced in the Golden Horn three years ago. He emphasized that the country is facing the consequences of past inaction. Erdogan’s statement comes as Turkey grapples with the environmental and economic repercussions of the mucilage crisis, which has significantly impacted marine life and fishing industries.