BREAKING: The results are in. The 2022 Gulf of Mexico 'Dead Zone' measured at nearly 3,300 square miles large—the size equivalent to over 1.5 million football fields—and is almost two times larger than the ecological goal set by the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force. This has devastating consequences for marine wildlife and people. It’s time we do something different. Fortunately, we have solutions, and you can make a difference today by sending an email. Speak up now and send an email to the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force to help heal the Gulf Dead Zone and restore our Mississippi River.

MORE INFORMATION

The Mississippi River is truly America’s River—a critical source of drinking water for 20 million people, a diverse habitat for wildlife, the backbone of our economy, and a rich part of our heritage. The Mississippi River basin extends from the Rocky Mountains in the West to Appalachia in the East. It drains over 1.2 million square miles, ferrying water from 32 states down to the Gulf of Mexico.

Yet, the River’s vast interconnectedness is also at the heart of its troubles. By the time our Mississippi reaches the Gulf, it carries polluted water, creating hypoxic (meaning little to no oxygen) zones where nothing can survive. These areas are commonly called “dead zones,” and the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone is one of the largest in the world. In fact, the Gulf Dead Zone was just measured at nearly 3,300 square miles large—the size equivalent to over 1.5 million football fields—and is almost two times larger than the ecological goal set by the Hypoxia Task Force. 

It’s time to do something different. It’s time for an ambitious, basinwide strategy to decrease the size of the Dead Zone. Fortunately, we have solutions, and you can make a difference.

Lend your voice by emailing the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force today and express your support for a new federal program that can amplify and coordinate all Mississippi River restoration and resilience opportunities from the headwaters to the Gulf and in all 10 Mississippi River states.

Nearly 150 organizations, businesses, farms, and clubs have already endorsed the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative or MRRRI which would support investments in projects that:

1. improve water quality, 
2. restore habitat and natural systems, 
3. reduce aquatic invasive species, and 
4. build local resilience to natural disasters in and along the Mississippi River.

Support this new program for the Mississippi River that will also rewrite the story of the Gulf Dead Zone. Take action by entering your information on the form present on this page. Thank you for making a difference for the people, land, water, and wildlife of our Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi River.

More information about this year’s measurement

While this year’s Dead Zone was smaller than last year’s measurement, scientists attribute the size reduction to environmental conditions like droughts and low Mississippi River water flow and not necessarily the coordinated actions of our Hypoxia Task Force states. While we celebrate many recent successes by states to reduce pollution, much work is needed. We believe the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (the MRRRI Act) is another critical tool that will increase funding and opportunity to implement proven on-the-ground (and on-the-water) solutions.

The extent of the summer Dead Zone has been measured since 1985. The Hypoxia Task Force has a long-term goal of reducing the size of the Dead Zone to 1,900 square miles (or roughly 4,900 square kilometers) by 2035. Despite nearly four decades of effort, the Task Force has yet to achieve its goal. (See graph below.) 

ABOUT US

1 Mississippi is the national public program of the Mississippi River Network. Since 2009, 1 Mississippi has built a community of 20,000 River Citizens and inspired thousands of actions. From armchairs to wading boots, River Citizens protect the River by speaking up on its behalf and caring for it in simple ways that make a difference. Together we are protecting the River for future generations.