Each year, a “dead zone” forms in the Gulf of Mexico. Despite efforts to reduce it, the algae-choked area isn’t shrinking much. A solution will require a variety of methods—and participation from U.S. farmers.
Ocean dead zones contain little to no oxygen. Crabs, fish, oysters, shrimp, and other aquatic life forms cannot breathe there. Low-oxygen zones sometimes occur naturally, and God made several life forms (at least one clam and some fish!) to thrive in them. But for most wildlife, dead zones spell big trouble.
Chemical pollution—mainly from nitrogen and phosphorous—creates dead zones. Runoff from fertilizers, septic systems, water treatment plants, even air pollution, eventually ends up in the ocean.
High chemical levels can cause algae to over-bloom. Eventually, algae die and sink. On the ocean floor, they use up oxygen as they decay. Some animals can swim away; those attached to the bottom cannot.
Floating algae can block sunlight from parts of the ocean. Lack of sunlight kills seagrasses and removes vital food and shelter from ocean animals that depend on them.
In the Gulf of Mexico, chemical runoff comes primarily from the Mississippi River. Since 41% of the continental United States’ smaller waterways drain into that major river artery, Gulf chemicals levels can be extremely high.
This year, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists forecast that the Gulf of Mexico dead zone will encompass about 5,364 square miles. That’s a bit lower than the five-year average and about 15% smaller than last year.
In 2001, a task force set a long-term goal of reducing the dead zone to 1,900 square miles. So NOAA experts say this year’s decrease, while an improvement, isn’t enough.
Dead zone problems are not unique to the United States, and they are on the rise.
In 1999, researchers knew of only 61 hypoxic (low oxygen) areas worldwide. Now that number “totals over 500,” say scientists Nancy Rabalais and Eugene Turner.
Many farmers have an interest in limiting chemical leaching since it not only improves their land but also benefits the environment. (Read Fertilizer Training: Follow the Water at teen.wng.org/node/2688.)
No one approach will resolve dead zones. Solutions could include changing crop rotations or changing how and when farmers apply fertilizer. It might also include trapping nitrogen with drainage systems or buffers before it can spill into the waterways.
Scientist Dan Jaynes has researched soil and farming practices. He predicts that reducing the impact of farming on water quality and dead zones is possible—“but only if every farmer participates.”
Why? God gave humans the responsibility of caring for creation. Managing waste disposal well is one way to honor Him and preserve His good gifts of land, sea, sky, and life.
