Definition of Gulf of Mexico

From a geological point of view, the Gulf of Mexico is a basin Oceanic whose coasts are in contact with the coastline of three territories: Mexico, Cuba and the United States. It covers an area of ​​more than one and a half million square kilometers and the maximum depth level is in the Sigsbee Trench, specifically at 4,384 meters.

From a historical perspective, the first exploration of the place was carried out by Américo Vespucio at the end of the 15th century.

A geographic area that plays a relevant role in various sectors of the economy

The population that lives on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico exceeds 60 million inhabitants. The climatic conditions are conducive to a very varied agriculture, since citrus fruits, sugar cane, coffee, corn, tobacco and tropical fruits are grown. In the area there are abundant resources fisheries, important for the export of species such as shrimp, octopus or prawn.

The most active industry is related to oil extraction (there are numerous oil pipelines and petrochemical centers). The processing industry plays a prominent role in the

economy and is represented by a wide range of products (dairy, soft drink bottlers, chemicals and plastics).

In the economic development plans promoted by the different Mexican governments, the Gulf of Mexico area has a high strategic value due to its energy potential. However, it presents problems of geographic delimitation and this circumstance represents a threat for future hydrocarbon exploration in oceanic reservoirs.

High levels of pollution

The waters of the Gulf of Mexico present high levels of contamination. The causes of this phenomenon are diverse. First, the uncontrolled use of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural activity (these substances are a direct threat to aquatic species).

Second, the use of fertilizers causes changes in the ecosystem marine (in a very special way there is a massive growth of algae that ends up causing toxicity problems in the quality of the water).

Third, water pollution is caused by spills from the oil industry (the fishing sector and tourism are the most affected by spills).

The vast majority of dissolved solids that reach the Gulf of Mexico come from economic activities that take place on the Mississippi River. In the case of the Mexican coastal zone, the pollution indices also come from the rivers that flow into the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Fotolia - lesniewski

Issues in Gulf of Mexico