Scientists Chisom Emeghiebo and Dr. Jill Tupitza collect surface water samples aboard Research Vessel Pelican on July 17, 2024. The samples were collected as part of a NOAA-funded cruise measuring the Gulf of Mexico hypoxia “dead zone.” (Image credit: LUMCON/LSU)
NOAA and partners will report results from a recent research cruise to measure the extent of the hypoxic or “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico during a media teleconference at 10 a.m. EDT Thursday, Aug. 1.
In June, NOAA scientists issued a forecast for this summer’s dead zone — an area characterized by low to no oxygen levels that can kill fish and other marine organisms. This year’s forecast estimated a dead zone extent of approximately 5,827 square miles, which is larger than the historical 37-year average of 5,205 square miles and well below the record-breaking 8,776 square mile dead zone observed in 2017.
During the teleconference, speakers will discuss factors influencing the size of this summer’s hypoxic zone, potential impacts to living marine resources, the accuracy of the spring hypoxia forecast as a predictive tool, and ongoing federal and state initiatives in the Mississippi River watershed focused on reducing nutrient inputs flowing into the Gulf.
WHAT
Media teleconference on the measured size of the Gulf of Mexico dead zone and efforts to predict and mitigate its effects, followed by a Q&A session for reporters.
WHEN
Thursday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. EDT
WHO
Nancy Rabalais, Ph.D., professor, Louisiana State University/Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium; Co-chief scientist on survey cruise
Sean Corson, director, NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
Lori Sprague, program manager, Integrated Water Availability Assessments, Water Mission Area, U.S. Geological Survey
Bruno Pigott, acting assistant administrator, Office of Water, Environmental Protection Agency
Mike Naig, secretary of agriculture, State of Iowa
HOW
Meeting link: https://msstate.webex.com/msstate/j.php?MTID=ma3a24cd24524fec7ecd98972edfc4099 offsite link
Meeting number (if you join by phone): 2632 589 9641
Password: join
Climate, weather, and water affect all life on our ocean planet. NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict our changing environment, from the deep sea to outer space, and to manage and conserve America’s coastal and marine resources.
Media Contacts
Douglas E. Jessmer, NOAA, douglas.jessmer@noaa.gov, 727-282-5493
Paul Mickle, Northern Gulf Institute, pmickle@ngi.msstate.edu, 228-234-2636