Low and no oxygen area threatens crabs, oysters, fish
Scientists expect this year’s summer Chesapeake Bay hypoxic or “dead zone” – an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish and aquatic life – will be larger than average, approximately 1.89 cubic miles, or nearly the volume of 3.2 million Olympic-size swimming pools.
![A variety of economic sectors, ranging from commercial and recreational fishing to tourism, rely on a healthy Chesapeake Bay. (Image credit: NOAA) A variety of economic sectors, ranging from commercial and recreational fishing to tourism, rely on a healthy Chesapeake Bay.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_width_1275/public/legacy/image/2019/Jun/PHOTO%20-%20skipjack%20on%20Harris%20CreeK%20-%20061417%20-%20NOAA%20-3360x1602%20-%20LANDSCAPE.jpg?itok=p33W_JAB)
A variety of economic sectors, ranging from commercial and recreational fishing to tourism, rely on a healthy Chesapeake Bay. (Image credit: NOAA)