'Dead zone' in the Gulf of Mexico expands record

US scientists estimate that the deadly waters in the Gulf of Mexico in 2017 will have twice the average area every year.

Scientists at the University of Louisiana (LSU), USA, estimate that in 2017, the oxygen-poor "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico will have the largest area ever, Seeker reported on June 21.

"Dead zone" is the concept of seawater flow containing large amounts of fertilizer, animal and human waste, promoting algae growth. When the algae die, they decompose, reducing the amount of oxygen in the sea water, killing fish and many other marine life.

Dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico doubled in size this year.(Photo: NOAA).

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico expanded as nitrogen-rich currents originated from many farms in the central region and west of the United States poured into Mississippi rivers, then flowed into the waters.

According to the research team, this year's dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico will cover an area of ​​more than 26,000 square kilometers off the coast of Louisiana and Texas, USA, nearly double the annual average of about 13,700 square kilometers.

"There are many nitrate compounds in waterways in May. This is the biggest factor in our prediction," said Nancy Rabalais, professor of marine ecosystems at LSU.

According to Rabalais, efforts to resolve the origin of dead zones have been very effective so far. Some farms are applying cultivation measures to reduce fertilizer, but this area in the river basin is still quite small.

Rain, wind, temperature and ocean currents also affect the size and movement of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico. Previous research has shown that lack of oxygen in this area leads to destruction of habitats of species and loss of fertility of many fish.