The hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico resulting from excess transport of
nitrogen and phosphorus down the Mississippi River has expanded to 20,000
km2 in 1999.
Showstack (2000) summarizes a meeting of scientists in October 2000 to discuss the science and policy implications of the problem.
Discussions included an encouragement for scientists to become more involved in
articulating critical science issues to policy makers.
Reference
Showstack, R., 2000: Nutrient over-enrichment implicated in multiple problems in
U.S. waterways. EOS, 81, 497-499.