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Gulf Hypoxia title

Get up to speed on Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico through the links below. 

hypoxia map

Nutrients National Synthesis Project

HYPOXIA IN THE GULF OF MEXICO
Progress towards the completion of an Integrated Assessment



 

What Is Hypoxia?

  • A zone in the Gulf of Mexico=s Texas-Louisiana Shelf with seasonally low oxygen levels (<2mg/l)

What Causes Hypoxia?

  • Hypoxic zone results from excessive nutrients, primarily nitrogen, carried to the Gulf by the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers

How Large is the Hypoxic Zone?

  • Hypoxic zone covers a 5-year running average of 5,454 sq mi in northern Gulf.

How Does Hypoxia Affect Fish and Wildlife?

  • Due to an overabundance of nutrients excessive algal growth (eutrophication) can result. Excessive demand for oxygen results in a decrease of dissolved oxygen in the bottom water and a corresponding loss of aquatic habitat in the water column and benthic layer. Mobile organisms leave the hypoxic zone; those that cannot leave die or are weakened.