Scientists have tracked a 2% drop in the oxygen level of the oceans over the past 50 years, according to an article published in the journal Nature. The article states that “Ocean models predict a decline in the dissolved oxygen inventory of the global ocean of one to seven per cent by the year 2100.” The oxygen decline was not consistent across oceans — some smaller areas showed an increase — but data show a “continuous decrease in oceanic dissolved oxygen concentrations” in “most regions of the global ocean.”
The potential problem this may cause for humans, according to the study, is the detriment to coastal economies and fisheries. The oxygen decline could affect ocean nutrient cycles and marine habitats, altering the health and availability of seafood. The study asserts: “a full depth analysis reveals that of the order of 15% (0.7 Pmol) of the overall observed oxygen loss since 1960 can be attributed to oceanic warming induced solubility change.”
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