Summary
Dead zones in the coastal oceans have spread exponentially since the 1960s and have serious consequences for ecosystem functioning. The formation of dead zones has been exacerbated by the increase in primary production and consequent worldwide coastal eutrophication fueled by riverine runoff of fertilizers and the burning of fossil fuels. Enhanced primary production results in an accumulation of particulate organic matter, which encourages microbial activity and the consumption of dissolved oxygen in bottom waters. Dead zones have now been reported from more than 400 systems, affecting a total area of more than 245,000 square kilometers, and are probably a key stressor on marine ecosystems.
Outcomes reported
Referenced by Nature Reviews food production environment report as citation 18; likely supports topic area: biodiversity / conservation. Topics: biodiversity / conservation Evidence type: Research article / other Source report: Nature Reviews food production environment report Ref#: Nature Reviews food production environment report #18 Original: Diaz, R. J. and Rosenberg, R. Spreading dead zones and consequences for marine ecosystems. Science 321, 926-929 (2008).
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