|
|
| Areas
starved of oxygen |
| According
to UN specialists oxygen-deprived areas, or ''dead zones'' within oceans,
will become a menace to marine life. The increased inflow of nutrients
(nitrogen compounds and phosphates) from waste water and agricultural run-off
leads to an overfertilisation of waters and excess algal growth (eutrophication).
These lead to cloudy water, dying organisms and extreme oxygen deprivation. |
| One
hundred and fifty ''dead zones'' in the world’s oceans were known in 2003.
In 2006, only three years later, 200 ocean areas showing no life at all
were detected. Some of these ''dead zones'' extend over 70.000 km²,
which is approximately the size of Ireland. |
 |
Reduction
of nutrient inflow
to coastal waters |
|
Establishment
of marine protection areas
(MPAs) |
|
Inform
local authorities if untreated waste water or toxicants are introduced
into natural waters. |
|
National
laws for waste water treatment support the battle against contamination
and pollution of water. Take action! |
|
