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Back to ECOSYSTEMS
Coastal waters are those parts of the ocean closest to the land. They start where the breakers hit the beach and then stretch seaward as far as 100 nautical miles (approximately 115 miles or 185 km). Any bays, inlets, coves, harbors or sounds in this range are also considered part of the coastal waters. In some cases, coastal waters are thought to extend as far as the continental shelf.
Coastal waters play a unique ecological role for oceans. Countless fish and other marine species use these areas during at least part of their life-cycle, maybe to reproduce, maybe to feed, or maybe as a way to migrate from one place to another. Coastal waters are also important to people as this is where we obtain most of our food and energy (like oil, wind and wave energy); and where most of our sea-going traffic is concentrated.
To begin exploring, click on one of the ecosystems listed below.
Coastal waters are those parts of the ocean closest to the land. They start where the breakers hit the beach and then stretch seaward as far as 100 nautical miles (approximately 115 miles or 185 km). Any bays, inlets, coves, harbors or sounds in this range are also considered part of the coastal waters. In some cases, coastal waters are thought to extend as far as the continental shelf.
Coastal waters play a unique ecological role for oceans. Countless fish and other marine species use these areas during at least part of their life-cycle, maybe to reproduce, maybe to feed, or maybe as a way to migrate from one place to another. Coastal waters are also important to people as this is where we obtain most of our food and energy (like oil, wind and wave energy); and where most of our sea-going traffic is concentrated.
To begin exploring, click on one of the ecosystems listed below.
Bays are inward-curving inlets where a body of water meets the land. They can provide shelter from the harsh conditions of the open sea.
A reef is any physical structure which lies no more than 20 feet (6 m) below the ocean surface.
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This is the relatively flat edge of the continental plate. Shelf depth can change from place to place, but is shallow compared to the open sea.
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In its simplest definition, an island is a piece of land surrounded by water. They can be dry and rocky, or wet and densely forested.
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These vast underwater forests provide shelter for animals of every description. Some live out their lives here, while others may be transitory.
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