Dissolved oxygen data obtained for the nearshore areas of the New York Bight during 1974–1983 were analyzed statistically for relationships between physical environmental factors and bottom dissolved oxygen concentrations ([DO]). A multiple linear regression expression was developed as an estimator for bottom [DO] both as a function of the depth of the pycnocline and as an index of wind energy and its persistence, This latter index is called the quiescence–constancy (QC) index. The estimator for [DO] explained 86% of the variability over the decade of analysis. The utility of the estimator was examined in the context of several years not included in the analysis. In general, we found that deep pycnoclines and strong persistent southerly to southwesterly winds were closely correlated with low bottom [DO] averaged over the region. Shallow pycnoclines and strong but variable winds were associated with higher values of regionally averaged bottom [DO].