Conclusions

Recommendations for solving the hypoxia problem in the Gulf of Mexico due to eutrophication from the Mississippi River basin

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1. Better management of farming activities to minimize non point pollution entering neighboring waterways. Specifically, precise use of fertilizers on crop land and management of manure from livestock.

2.Government programs to restrict fertilizer use and conserve land. Conservation reserve programs have helped reduce agricultural pollution, but the farmers need more federal subsidies to help pay for land management that help prevent and control non point pollution. Wetland reformation to block excess nutrient loading into waterways is one solution the government can pay for.

3. Increased education for the public and farmers on the problem of eutophication causing hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. Along with that, better communication among parties trying to solve the problem, from farmers to government scientists.

4. Market based incentives for the farmers to conserve their land and limit the amount of fertilizer they use.

5. Further study into the issue at hand of the hypoxic zone and how to decrease and possibly eliminate it. Increased and continual data collection on how eutophication leads to hypoxia.

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