Where are the dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico?
The zone occurs between the inner and mid-continental shelf in the northern Gulf of Mexico, beginning at the Mississippi River delta and extending westward to the upper Texas coast. The Gulf of Mexico dead zone varies in size annually, but may extend from the Louisiana/Alabama coast to the westernmost Texas coast.
How big is the Gulf of Mexico dead zone 2020?
2,116 square miles
When was the largest dead zone recorded in the Gulf of Mexico?
Bottom line: A large dead zone formed in the Gulf of Mexico during the summer of 2019. The size of the dead zone was smaller than expected because of Hurricane Barry, but it was estimated to be the 8th largest on record.
Is the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico Permanent?
The size of the Gulf of Mexico dead zone fluctuates annually, but increased precipitation this year amplified runoff. The result is an oxygen-depleted area almost 50 percent larger than what has been seen on average for the past five years. And though the oxygen loss is temporary, the effects can be permanent.
Can the dead zone be prevented from forming?
Dead zones are not irreversible. From 1985-2000, the North Sea dead zone had nitrogen reduced by 37% when policy efforts by countries on the Rhine River reduced sewage and industrial emissions of nitrogen into the water. Solutions. Voluntarily stop fertilizer and waste runoff into lakes, rivers, and streams.
Can we fix dead zones?
If a number of nutrients reaching the Gulf of Mexico can be reduced, then the dead zone will begin the shrink. Cover Crops: Planting of certain grasses, grains or clovers, called cover crops can recycle excess nutrients and reduce soil erosion, keeping nutrients out of surface waterways.
How do dead zones develop?
Dead zones occur because of a process called eutrophication, which happens when a body of water gets too many nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen. Human activities are the main cause of these excess nutrients being washed into the ocean. For this reason, dead zones are often located near inhabited coastlines.
How can a dead zone be reversed?
Dead zones occur around the world, but primarily near areas where heavy agricultural and industrial activity spill nutrients into the water and compromise its quality accordingly. Fortunately, dead zones are reversible if their causes are reduced or eliminated.
Why are dead zones bad for humans?
Dead zones are the most severe result of eutrophication. This dramatic increase in previously limited nutrients causes massive algal blooms. These “red tides” or Harmful Algal Blooms can cause fish kills, human illness through shellfish poisoning, and death of marine mammals and shore birds.
What harmful effects can algae have on humans?
Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
What happens if you swim in toxic algae?
Exposure to blue-green algae during swimming, wading, and water-skiing can lead to rashes, skin, eye irritation, and effects such as nausea, stomach aches, and tingling in fingers and toes.
How can you tell if algae is toxic?
There is no way to tell if a blue-green algal bloom is toxic just by looking at it. Adults, children, and animals should avoid contact with water with blue-green algae. Toxins can persist in the water after a bloom; watch for signs of recent blooms, such as green scum on the shoreline. When in doubt, stay out!
Can you get sick from swimming in algae?
Accidentally ingesting water with bacteria and algae can cause fever, diarrhea and other symptoms associated with having an infection. Swimming in a pool contaminated with algae can also result in eye infections, along with other bacteria that infected individuals can transmit either directly or indirectly.