Every summer, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) measure the size of the Gulf “Dead Zone”—an area with little to no oxygen, forcing marine life like fish and shrimp to flee or die without the oxygen they need to survive. This hypoxic zone is fueled by pollution flowing from across the Mississippi River watershed, and each year’s measurement is a stark reminder that what happens upstream impacts life downstream.

In 2025, the Dead Zone measured 4,402 square miles—nearly the size of Connecticut. While this is smaller than last year, it is still more than double the long-standing goal of reducing the Dead Zone to fewer than 1,900 square miles, as set by the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force. That goal is backed by scientists and state leaders, and it was originally meant to be achieved in 2015. A decade later, we’re still falling short.

Why This Matters and What it Means

At One Mississippi, we work every day to reduce pollution and restore the health of the River. Because the Mississippi isn’t just a waterway—it’s a lifeline. Flowing more than 2,300 miles from the wild rice beds of northern Minnesota to the oyster reefs of southern Louisiana, the River connects our communities, cultures, and ecosystems across the heart of America.

But this same connection also means that pollution travels too. Runoff from farms, urban areas, and wastewater systems carries excess nitrogen and phosphorus downstream, where it feeds algae blooms in the Gulf. When the algae die and decompose, oxygen is stripped from the water, creating a dead zone.

Today, our treasured River carries three times more nitrogen and twice as much phosphorus as it did in the 1950s. That’s not just bad news for the Gulf’s marine life—it’s devastating for the people and communities who rely on a healthy, functioning ecosystem.

NOAA produced an incredible explainer video about how the dead zone forms, including its upstream sources from agricultural and urban runoff, and how we can address the problem.

Pollution Is Rising. Funding Can’t Fall.

Despite this year’s slightly smaller Dead Zone, we’re still nowhere near where we need to be. Unfortunately, instead of increasing investments to address the problem, the federal government is considering cuts to the very agencies and programs responsible for monitoring and reducing this pollution.

Collectively, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), NOAA, and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are essential to tracking water quality and supporting conservation efforts. But many of these agencies are facing budget cuts, staffing losses, and reorganization—jeopardizing the progress we’ve made and the data we rely on to guide solutions.

Meanwhile, new threats are emerging. As noted by our partners in Louisiana and Texas, proposed fertilizer plants producing so-called “blue” ammonia—a nitrogen-based fertilizer created using natural gas—are being framed as sustainable. In reality, these projects risk adding even more nitrogen pollution to the River system and pushing us further from our goals.

From our Network member Healthy Gulf:

"The Hypoxia Task Force's goal is to reduce the average size of the Gulf Dead Zone to 1,900 square miles by 2035. This goal was originally to be met by 2015. After not getting even close, the goal was extended by 20 years. It would take $2.7B annually to meet the Task Force goal, utilizing current conservation practices. We need to understand that unless we fundamentally change how we address this pollution, from farming practices to federal and state policies, there is no way we will meet the 2035 goal. If we don't reach this goal, our fisherfolk, coastal communities, and Gulf ecosystem will continue to suffer." 

The Good News: Solutions Exist

One Mississippi—and our many partners across the River—are not giving up. Together, we are:

• Advocating for stronger conservation programs in the Farm Bill that help farmers reduce runoff and protect soil health.
• Defending bedrock environmental protections and the federal agencies that carry them out.
• Calling for the permanent protection and restoration of wetlands and floodplains, which naturally absorb and filter polluted runoff.

We believe that with the right policies and practices, funding, and leadership, we can reduce the Dead Zone, improve water quality, and create a more resilient Mississippi River system for all who rely on it.

Take Action

This year’s Gulf Dead Zone measurement is another wake-up call. It’s time to act—not scale back. Congress is currently debating the 2026 federal budget. We must ensure strong investments in water quality, conservation, and the agencies doing the work.

Join our River Citizen community today to stay informed about upcoming opportunities to take action and make a difference. Thank you for all you do for the people, land, water, and wildlife of our Mighty Mississippi.

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Marie Risalvato
Policy Manager, One Mississippi

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