Scientists Warn: Largest Ocean 'Dead Zone' in History

[marmar]

(Common Dreams) The largest 'dead zone' ever recorded is headed for the Gulf of Mexico this summer, as high levels of pollution runoff, elevated by Midwestern floods, seep into the ocean.

The dead area could grow to as much as 8,500 square miles of toxic deep ocean water—killing all marine life in its path—warn National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration scientists.

The findings signal a warning not only about the Gulf of Mexico, but about the many dead zones that develop each year across the world's oceans.

Dead zones emerge deep beneath the marine surface when pollution runoff from farms seeps into the ocean, releasing nitrogen that feeds large algae growths. ...........................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/06/27-8

[kestrel91316]

1. I wish we had a functioning EPA that could address this.

[kelliekat44]

2. I wish we had a functioning Congress that would let it. nt

[pa28]

7. Unfortunately the EPA is under the executive branch.

We can't dismiss the problem quite that easily.

[kelliekat44]

8. But their funding and authority comes from Congress. Learn your government. nt

[pa28]

12. You mean like how Congress made the EPA spike it's fracking report?

The one linking shale hydrofracking to groundwater contamination?

http://www.nationofchange.org/duke-study-links-fracking-water-contamination-epa-drops-study-fracking-water-contamination-137225702

[marmar]

3. They're too busy shilling for the petroleum and coal industries.

[hatrack]

10. And greenlighting the use of lots and lots and lots of Corexit - the miracle cleaner!`

[AFJROTCcadetEcho]

4. Oil companies

Oil companies will flood this region to drill more oil.

[L0oniX]

5. K & R

[WillyT]

6. K & R !!!

[hatrack]

9. USA!! USA!! USA!!