Gulf of Mexico’s ‘dead zone’ may be the biggest on record

The transcript discusses the formation and impact of dead zones, also known as hypoxic zones, in ocean waters. These areas have low oxygen levels, harmful to marine life, and are exacerbated by nutrient runoff from fertilizers. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a significant increase in dead zones due to record rainfall in the American Midwest. Marine animals like shrimp and fish tend to avoid these zones when oxygen levels fall below 2 parts per million.

What role do nutrients from fertilizers play in the creation of dead zones?

What actions do marine animals take when oxygen levels drop in their environment?