How do scientists study hypoxia?

Scientists on the PISCO team at Oregon State University initially identified hypoxia as the cause of dead crabs and fishes and other anomalies reported in 2002. Research on hypoxic zones in the Pacific Northwest now involves collaborations between many partners, including the PISCO team, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences (COAS) at OSU, the Oregon Coastal Ocean Observing System (OrCOOS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

Scientists at OSU and their partners work together to study and monitor the conditions off the coast throughout the year. This work involves extensive shipboard sampling, testing the water for oxygen levels and other changes in the ecosystem. ODFW uses a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that allows scientists to view the bottom of the sea, which is critical for assessing biological impacts.