The area of ​​'dead water' in the Gulf of Mexico increased record

Based on government data, US scientists on June 26 warned that the area of ​​"dead water" in the Gulf of Mexico could increase record this year, as a result of environmental pollution.

In a statement, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said the area of "dead water" (an area free of oxygen for living creatures) in the Gulf of Mexico could reach 22,172km ² , close to the size of the state of New Jersey of the United States.

This figure is much higher than the 7,482 km ² measured last year.

The "dead water" areas toxic to aquatic life formed by excessive chemical fertilizer pollution from agricultural development. They are also affected by weather conditions such as rainfall, wind and temperature.

NOAA thinks that the Gulf of Mexico "dead water" projections this year reflect increased flooding in the Midwest, causing a large amount of fertilizer from the Mississippi River basin to be driven by flood waters. to the Gulf of Mexico.

Scientists also said this is not the final number because in the case of a strong tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico in July and August, the area of "dead water" will be reduced to 13,841km ² .

The phenomenon of "dead water" in the Gulf of Mexico not only affects the habitat of organisms but also causes heavy damage to commercial and recreational fishing and threatens the regional economy.

In the last 5 years, the average area of ​​these "dead water" areas is about 14,000 km ² .

The largest area of ​​"dead water" is recorded in the waters off Louisiana, Texas, Florida of the US and Mexico in 2002 with an area of ​​21,965km ² .