What Can We Do to Remedy Dead Zones?
Dead zones are the product of the carelessness and neglect of human beings. By following very simple methods and procedures, we can reduce and eventually eliminate ocean dead zones.
- Using less fertilizer:
By controlling less usage of fertilizer, we can reduce the amount of runoff that is wasted into the sea. Excess fertilizer remnants come from farms that are near rivers and lakes. The materials are then caught in these rivers and lakes which flow into the larger bodies of waters and which create the dead zones. A known dead zone area is the Gulf of Mexico. As researched by Monica Bruckner of Montana State University, “Nitrogen and phosphorous enter the river through upstream runoff of fertilizers, soil erosion, animal wastes, and sewage.” High quantities of nitrogen and phosphorous in the waters is the main source of why dead zones are created in the first place.
- Implement better practices of discharge of chemicals:
Factories that produce amounts of chemicals that drift into the sea are a source of dead zones being created. These factories operate along the rivers and lakes that flow into the ocean, and emissions of chemical wastes into these waters. If we implement better handling of these wasted chemicals, less amounts of it would find its way to the ocean shores.
- Finding alternative methods for sewage systems:
The culmination of tons of garbage that are found in the sea, affects the sea life and waters. Not only does it affect the sea animals that we eat and sell, but it also affects the plant life of the surrounding waters. Animal waste should also be monitored so that it doesn’t enter into the waterways.
It is a possible goal to eliminate ocean dead zones by implementing these methods and tactics. The Black Sea dead zone is an example of how what was once a large problematic region of dead zones, ultimately became a clean sea again with the collaboration of all those who wished to have a cleaner environment.
“Under the UNDP-led effort, investments helped refurbish Sarajevo’s water treatment facility. A low-cost public awareness campaign steered waves of consumers away from phosphorous-laden detergents. A pilot program for farmers showed that by recycling manure, farms could cut back on fertilizer, while reducing the runoff from animal wastes-- a double win for the Black Sea.” (Global Partnership for Oceans)
By following these simple methods of keeping the environment clean and keeping communities aware of methods of industrial practices used by factories, we can ultimately draw an end to dead zones and provide a better environment for the ocean, animals and people that live in these areas.
It is a possible goal to eliminate ocean dead zones by implementing these methods and tactics. The Black Sea dead zone is an example of how what was once a large problematic region of dead zones, ultimately became a clean sea again with the collaboration of all those who wished to have a cleaner environment.
“Under the UNDP-led effort, investments helped refurbish Sarajevo’s water treatment facility. A low-cost public awareness campaign steered waves of consumers away from phosphorous-laden detergents. A pilot program for farmers showed that by recycling manure, farms could cut back on fertilizer, while reducing the runoff from animal wastes-- a double win for the Black Sea.” (Global Partnership for Oceans)
By following these simple methods of keeping the environment clean and keeping communities aware of methods of industrial practices used by factories, we can ultimately draw an end to dead zones and provide a better environment for the ocean, animals and people that live in these areas.