Dead zones are low oxygen areas in oceans and lakes caused in part by pollution from humans. The depletion of oxygen makes it more difficult to support marine life and for it to be sustainable. Dead zones cause animals living in these areas to suffocate due to lack of oxygen. The largest dead zone in the world is in the northern Gulf of Mexico, measured at almost 9 000 square miles in size. Dead zones have more than quadrupled in size and amount since 1950, putting more ecosystems and species in danger.
The main causes of dead zones from humans are pollutants, and other products used constantly throughout society. The main examples are fossil fuels/burning of fossil fuels and wastewater. Dead zones have many impacts on the ocean and aquatic species, as well as humans. For one, the species in the dead zone will be unable to survive and will suffocate, meaning absence of some populations and changes in the surrounding ecosystems. People that rely on fishing as a livelihood will also be greatly affected. Also less fish to catch in turn means less fish to purchase and eat, which will have a negative impact on the economy.
By: Anonymous
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