Dead Zones in the Gulf of Mexico

Dead Zones in the Gulf of Mexico

• Area Change: The area of dead zones increased by 440% between 1985 and 2013.

• Gulf of Mexico Dead Zones: Dead zones are a serious problem in the Gulf of Mexico, with increasing evidence supporting this claim.

Formation of Dead Zones

• Nutrient Source: A major source of phosphorus and nitrogen in the Gulf of Mexico is intensive farming.

• Eutrophication: Excess nutrients lead to increased algae growth (algal blooms).

• Algae Blooms: These blooms block sunlight, preventing plants from photosynthesizing. Algae die, and bacteria consume them, depleting oxygen.

• Oxygen Depletion: Decomposition of dead plants and algae by bacteria uses up oxygen. This results in a lack of oxygen in the water, and the formation of a dead zone where most organisms cannot survive.

Socio-economic Impacts of Dead Zones

• Tourism Decline: Dead zones can negatively impact tourism due to the visual effects from pollution.

• Economic Loss: Decreased fishing and related industries will negatively affect income for coastal areas.

Alleviating Dead Zones

• Sustainable Farming Practices: Implementing sustainable approaches to farming can help reduce the amount of fertilizer runoff.
• Intercropping: This involves growing different crops together on the same plot of land to reduce nutrient runoff.
• Sewage Treatment: The treatment of sewage before release can minimize the discharge of nutrients.

Impacts of Oil Spills on Sea Birds

• Feather Weight: Oil increases the weight of bird feathers because the oil absorbed by feathers.
• Temperature Regulation: Feathers normally regulate a bird's body temperature, but when covered in oil, this crucial function is hampered.
• Preening: Natural behavior of birds that helps them clean oil out of their feathers.
• Food Supply: Due to the oil spill, fewer fish will be available to feed on.