A condition of low oxygen levels in water or air that can stress or kill organisms. In aquatic environments, hypoxia often results from eutrophication and creates dead zones where most marine life cannot survive.
From Greek 'hypo' (under, below) and 'oxys' (sharp, oxygen), literally meaning 'low oxygen'. Originally a medical term from the early 20th century, it was adopted by environmental scientists to describe oxygen-depleted water bodies.
Marine hypoxia creates underwater deserts where only jellyfish and bacteria can survive, while fish flee or die! Climate change is making hypoxia worse by warming waters (which hold less oxygen) and strengthening stratification that prevents oxygen mixing.
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