A rapid loss of oxygen from oceans and waterways is pushing the Earth towards an \u201cunsafe space\u201d, new research has found.<\/p>\n
A UC Santa Barbara\u2019s National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis study found that oxygen is disappearing from oceans, lakes, rivers, and coastal waters at an alarming rate.<\/p>\n
This threatens aquatic life and weakens the natural processes that help regulate Earth\u2019s climate.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe health and stability of our planet depends on the health and stability of aquatic ecosystems, which need oxygen to function normally,\u201d study lead author Erica Ferrer said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis study is designed to elevate the profile of aquatic deoxygenation as a global threat and show that it does not operate in isolation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study report said that aquatic deoxygenation was driven primarily by human-caused warming, excess nutrient pollution and changes in the ventilation of interior waters.<\/p>\n
\u201cOxygen loss disrupts the biological and chemical processes that help regulate Earth\u2019s climate and it threatens aquatic life ranging from microscopic organisms to fish and sharks,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough marine mammals breathe air at the surface, they can still be affected as oxygen loss alters their prey, habitats and food webs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Ferrer said mitigating aquatic deoxygenation was a critical component of maintaining biodiversity and climate.<\/p>\n
The study was published June 30, 2026, in the journal Limnology and Oceanography.<\/p>\n