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Threat

Dead Zone

Very low oxygen creates "dead zones" where sea life can’t survive

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What it is

Very low oxygen creates "dead zones" where sea life can’t survive

Why it matters

Dead Zone can disrupt marine habitats, species survival, and food-web stability. Its effects often spread beyond the original disturbance through connected ocean systems.

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Related ecoregion

Benguela Current
Ecoregion
Benguela Current
Temperate

The Benguela Current flows along southwest Africa, bringing cold water up from the deep sea that can be over 3,000 meters deep. This nutrient-rich upwelling fuels massive plankton blooms near the coast. The blooms attract fish, seabirds, and seals, making the area very rich in life. Near shore it is cool and foggy, while offshore the sea is clear but poor in food. Most threatened by recurring Dead Zone (natural hypoxia).