The formation of an extensive hypoxic area off the Louisiana coast has been well publicized.
However, determining the effects of this hypoxic zone on fish and fisheries has proven to be
more difficult. The dual effect of nutrient loading on secondary production (positive effects of
bottom-up fueling, and negative effects of reduced oxygen levels) impedes the quantification
of hypoxia effects on fish and fisheries. The objective of this study was to develop an
ecosystem model that is able to separate the two effects, and to evaluate net effects of …