Gulf of Mexico 'Dead Zone' Larger Than Average, Scientists Find

Recent measurements indicate that the Gulf of Mexico's "dead zone"—an area with low to no oxygen that can harm marine life—has expanded to approximately 6,705 square miles. This size is notably larger than the average observed in previous years and ranks as the 12th largest since monitoring began 38 years ago. The dead zone's expansion is primarily attributed to nutrient pollution, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, which stimulates algal blooms. As these algae decompose, they deplete oxygen levels in the water, creating hypoxic conditions detrimental to fish and other marine organisms. Efforts are ongoing to reduce nutrient inputs into the Gulf to mitigate the size and impact of the dead zone.