For most of the year, the Gulf of Mexico is teeming with marine life, from tiny crustaceans to massive whales. But every summer, disaster strikes. Around May, animals begin to flee the area. And soon, creatures that can't swim or can't swim fast enough begin to suffocate and die off in massive numbers. What's going on? Kate Slabosky dives into the lethal conditions that create dead zones. [Directed Mette Ilene Holmriis, narrated by Adrian Dannatt, music by Stephen LaRosa].

Kate Slabosky: Can the ocean run out of oxygen?

Can the ocean run out of oxygen?

Dead zones, vast marine areas devoid of life due to low oxygen, threaten ecosystems and economies, costing up to $82M yearly.

Eutrophication, spurred by fertilizer runoff into oceans, stifles marine life by depleting oxygen, turning vibrant habitats into deserts.

Reviving our oceans requires a shift in agriculture: diverse crops to enrich soil, reducing the dependency on harmful fertilizers.