The book is based upon a lengthy review conducted by the Hypoxia Advisory Panel (HAP) of the Science Advisory Board for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chaired by Virginia Dale.

The report upon which the book is based has been extensively reviewed. The project's web site contains numerous review comments about the report, all of which have been addressed. In addition the draft report was review by four vetters who were paid by the EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) to review the report. Those comments were addressed to the satisfaction of the EPA SAB Chapter Board. The book has been enthusiastically received by the SSEM series editors.

Since 1985, scientists have been documenting a hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico each year. The hypoxic zone, an area of low dissolved oxygen that cannot s- port marine life, generally manifests itself in the spring. Since marine species either die or ee the hypoxic zone, the spread of hypoxia reduces the available habitat for marine species, which are important for the ecosystem as well as commercial and recreational shing in the Gulf. Since 2001, the hypoxic zone has averaged 2 1 16,500 km during its peak summer months , an area slightly larger than the state 2 2 of Connecticut, and ranged from a low of 8,500 km to a high of 22,000 km . To address the hypoxia problem, the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force (or Task Force) was formed to bring together represen- tives from federal agencies, states, and tribes to consider options for responding to hypoxia. The Task Force asked the White House Of ce of Science and Technology Policy to conduct a scienti c assessment of the causes and consequences of Gulf hypoxia through its Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR).

Klappentext

Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico is based on an extensive review conducted by the Hypoxia Advisory Panel of the Science Advisory Board for the Environmental Protection Agency, which was chaired by the editor. The book examines scientific advances that, since 2000, have increased understanding of hypoxia in the Gulf. It discusses characterization of its cause, characterization of its nutrient fate, transport, and sources, and the scientific basis for goals and management options. Using available data, including models, model results, and uncertainty, the advisory team addresses the strengths and limitations of managing the Gulf hypoxia problem. This book will be of interest to specialists in the fields of environmental sciences, social sciences, economics, landscape architecture, planning, and communication of risks.

Virginia Dale is a Corporate Fellow in the Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee.

Inhalt

Table of Figures.- List of Tables.- Glossary of Terms.- List of Acronyms.- Conversion Factors and Abbreviations.- Executive Summary.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Characterization of Hypoxia.- 3. Nutrient Fate, Transport, and Sources.- 4. Scientific Basis for Goals and Management Options.- 5. Summary of Findings and Recommendations. References.- Appendices: A. Appendix A: Studies on the Effects of Hypoxia on Living Resources.- B. Appendix B: Flow diagrams and Mass Balance of Nutrients.- C. Appendix C: USEPA's Guidance on Nutrient Criteria.- D. Appendix D: Calculation of Point Source Inputs of N and P. E. Appendix E: Animal Production Systems.