What is the California Current marine ecoregion?
The California Current runs south along the U.S. West Coast. Winds push surface water away, pulling deep, cold water full of nutrients up to the surface. This “upwelling” fuels blooms of plankton that feed fish, seabirds, and whales. Seasonal changes make it one of the richest seas on Earth.
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In context
What it is
The California Current runs south along the U.S. West Coast. Winds push surface water away, pulling deep, cold water full of nutrients up to the surface. This “upwelling” fuels blooms of plankton that feed fish, seabirds, and whales. Seasonal changes make it one of the richest seas on Earth.
Why it matters
California Current is useful for understanding how biodiversity, environmental conditions, and human pressures come together in one marine region.
Ocean Literacy Connections
This resource can be explored through One ocean, many features.
- How do different ocean places belong to one connected system?
Explore and connect
Open the ecoregions view to compare regional boundaries, biodiversity context, and related ocean systems.