What is a major consequence of nutrient pollution in coastal waters?

Nutrient pollution, often resulting from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and other human activities, leads to the excessive input of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, into coastal waters. This overabundance of nutrients stimulates algal blooms, which can deplete oxygen levels in the water as the algae die and decompose. When the oxygen in the water becomes depleted, it creates hypoxic or anoxic conditions, which can lead to the formation of dead zones—areas where marine life cannot survive due to insufficient oxygen.

Dead zones are particularly concerning as they can drastically alter local ecosystems, leading to declines in fish and other aquatic organism populations. These areas can persist for extended periods, severely impacting marine biodiversity, fisheries, and the overall health of coastal environments. Hence, the development of dead zones stands out as a major consequence of nutrient pollution in coastal waters, highlighting the need for effective management and mitigation strategies to address nutrient loading and protect coastal ecosystems.