Dead zones are areas in aquatic environments, such as oceans or lakes, where the concentration of oxygen is so low that marine life cannot survive. These regions often result from nutrient pollution, particularly from agricultural runoff, which leads to algal blooms. When the algae die and decompose, oxygen is consumed by bacteria during the decomposition process, creating hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen) conditions. Dead zones can have significant ecological impacts, including the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, disruption of food chains, and degradation of biodiversity. They are often characterized by a reduction in fish populations and can lead to economic consequences for fishing industries in affected areas.
