Dead zones in coastal waterways

A new study indicates that waterways in coastal areas around the world are suffering.

The study published last week in the Journal of Science says the number of “dead zones” has doubled every 10 years since the 1960s.

Dead zones are areas where oxygen levels are depleted to the point where marine life can’t survive.

UNCW Marine Biology Professor Larry Cahoon says this is serious business.

“Overall it says you have a poorly functioning or completely dysfunctional ecosystem. And everything that you depend on that ecosystem to provide you, whether it’s recreation, aesthetics, or earning a living is compromised by that problem,” said Cahoon.

Cahoon says dead zones are caused by humans over polluting waterways. He says dead zones aren’t a problem in the Cape Fear River or the ocean here, but similar problems are visible in our tidal creeks.