Dead zones are low-oxygen aquatic areas in which few organisms can survive.

Dead zones form in water when pollution causes oxygen levels to drop so low that fish and other aquatic life can’t survive. This makes it hard for the ocean to “breathe” and support life.

Fertilizer rich agricultural runoff and sewage leaks are the leading human causes of dead zones.

The second-largest dead zone in the world is located in the Gulf of Mexico, and is largely caused by the runoff from cities and farms.

pathways:

26.01.2022 / EcoWatch / Ocean’s Largest Dead Zones Mapped by MIT Scientists