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NCCOS-funded scientists measure a 1,332 square mile, smaller-than-expected #deadzone in the Gulf

Top figure: A map of the measured Gulf of America hypoxia zone, July 24-30, 2026. Red area denotes 2 mg/L of oxygen or lower, the level which is considered hypoxic (i.e., having inadequate oxygen levels) at the bottom of the seafloor. (Bottom) Long-term measurement of the Gulf hypoxic zone (green bars) as found during ship surveys conducted since 1985, including the target goal established by the Mississippi River/Gulf of America Hypoxia Task Force and the 5-year average size (black dashed lines). Just in! NCCOS-funded scientists measure a 1,332 square mile, smaller-than-expected #deadzone in the Gulf. Annual mapping of the zone has been ongoing since 1985. This is the 2nd smallest zone on record in the 40 year measurement history.

The measured size was much smaller than anticipated due to the passage of Tropical Storm Bertha through the northern Gulf on the eve of the cruise. Learn more: https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-and-partners-find-smaller-than-anticipated-hypoxic-zone-in-gulf-of-america