A huge "dead zone" of water that has spread across the Gulf of Mexico may be contributing to an unusual spate of shark bites along the Texas coast.Dr. Nancy Rabalais from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium discussed the problem in an interview:
In the last 30 years, the dead zone has been an annual event, fed by the rising use of nitrate based fertilizers.
The extensive area of uninhabitable water may be contributing indirectly to a rise in shark bites in Texas waters.
Three people have been bitten by sharks along the upper Texas coast this year - which is a higher number than normal.
The dead zone has spread across 5,800 square miles (15,020 sq km) of the Gulf of Mexico and is so devoid of oxygen that sea life cannot live in it.
. . . the dead zone extended from the mouth of the Mississippi River, in south-eastern Louisiana, to near the Texas border 250 miles (400 km) west.Here's a link to more government research on the problem--I wonder when someone will get the bright idea of restricting fertilizer run-off into the Mississippi River?
She [Dr. Rabalais] also claimed the dead zone is closer to the shore than usual this year, because of winds and currents.
"Fish and swimming crabs escape from the dead zone," said Dr Rabalais. "Anything else dies."
The nitrates, carried into the Gulf's warm summer waters by the river, feed algae blooms that use up oxygen and make the water inhospitable to other forms of life.
The dead zone's size has varied each year depending on weather conditions, but on average it is about 5,000 square miles (12,950 sq km), and remains in place until late September or early October.
Virtually nothing is being done to stop the flow of nitrates into the river, meaning the dead zone will reappear every year, Rabalais said.
Father, let me dedicate All this year to you
In whatever earthly state You will have me be
Not from sorrow, pain, or care Freedom dare I claim;
This alone shall be my prayer: Glorify Your name.
--from New Year's Hymn by Lawrence Tuttiett, 1864 (alt.)
In whatever earthly state You will have me be
Not from sorrow, pain, or care Freedom dare I claim;
This alone shall be my prayer: Glorify Your name.
--from New Year's Hymn by Lawrence Tuttiett, 1864 (alt.)
