LOSS OF ECO-TOURISM
When ocean dead zones develop they are bound to affect the socioeconomics of the area. According to the NSC in 1998 estuaries provide habitats for 75% of America's commercial fish catch. In the Gulf the ocean dead zone continues to expand, in a place that relies heavily on fish for a source of industry. Also according to the NSC recreational fishing, boating, tourism, and other coastal industries account for 28 million jobs nationwide. And the average American spends ten recreational days a year on the coast. When an environment becomes hypoxic and the fish leave or die, the beauty decreases as well as the public demand for the use of the area. The oceans provide humans a chance to create large industries and when the oceans themselves fall apart due to human causes, we are affected in ways we never thought. 14
TOXIC ALGAE BLOOMS
Harmful algae blooms also known as HABs are caused by toxic algae blooms. These blooms are caused by an influx of nutrients in aquatic systems. A small portion of algae species produce toxins. These toxins kill fish, mammals, birds, and can lead to human illness. If a person eats fish that was in waters that contained toxic algae they could get seriously ill and even die. When toxic algae blooms occur it affects the coastal cities. It can harm fisheries and tourism in the area. According to GEOHAB harmful algal blooms have such large economic effects they cost the United States $82 million each year.6
Ocean dead zones effect their envirnment by creating hostile habitats, hypoxic water, competition for oxygen, ghost towns, and can even lead to toxic algae blooms.
Toxic Algae Bloom