Researchers have documented a worrying drop off in oxygen in the waters off British Columbia’s central coast, and say the problem could become widespread and persistent by mid-century, devastating marine life.

The study, conducted by the Hakai Institute, used ocean gliders — remotely-operated vehicles — to measure oxygen levels in Queen Charlotte Sound, a coastal region that stretches from the north of Vancouver Island to the southern tip of Haida Gwaii.

Hakai Institute post-doctoral researcher Sam Stevens, who served as lead author on the study , said the team measured a concerning spike in low-oxygen states in 2022 and 2023, primarily during the summer months.

“Once it gets below a certain threshold, there’s not enough oxygen for life in the ocean to function properly, and that’s wh

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