What Is the Neritic Zone Ecosystem

The neritic zone is the region of shallow water (200 meters depth) above the continental shelf where light penetrates to the sea floor. Due to the abundant supply of sunlight and nutrients in this zone, it is the most productive ocean zone supporting the vast majority of marine life.

What is one example of a neritic zone ecosystem?

The neritic zones in tropical climates, like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, are home to thousands of species of sea life, such as coral, sharks, and sea snakes that are found nowhere else in the world. Northern neritic zones are also flourishing with sea life, including sea otters, whales, and the giant octopus.

What is the neritic zone made of?

The neritic habitat includes the waters and biological communities living in the water column over the continental shelf. The neritic habitat is characterized by CMECS as including the nearshore and offshore marine subsystems, and includes the surface, upper water column, pycnocline, and lower water column layers.