COSEE Ocean Systems: News
NOAA, partners predict an average 'dead zone' for Gulf of Mexico
Description: Scientists are expecting that this year's Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone, also called the "dead zone," will be approximately 5,483 square miles or about the size of Connecticut-the same as it has averaged over the last several years. The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico affects nationally important commercial and recreational fisheries and threatens the region's economy. Hypoxic zones hold very little oxygen, and are caused by excessive nutrient pollution, primarily from activities such as agriculture and wastewater. The low oxygen levels cannot support most marine life and habitats in near-bottom waters. [Source: National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science]
URL: http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=15609
Availability: Full Text
Source: National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
Publish Date: 6/17/2015
Reading Level: Basic
Page Length:  

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