What is the Mediterranean Sea marine ecoregion?

Paracalanus parvus is a tiny crustacean that drifts in the upper layers of the ocean.

Engraulis encrasicolus is a small pelagic fish, commonly known as the European anchovy, that typically grows to about 10–15 cm in length.

Bacteriastrum furcatum is a microscopic diatom that drifts in the sunlit surface layers of the ocean.

Xiphias gladius, commonly known as the swordfish, is a large pelagic fish that typically reaches 2–3 meters in length.

The Agulhas Current flows along southeast Africa. It carries warm, salty water and spins off giant swirling eddies, or whirlpools. These eddies spread nutrients and connect tropical and temperate seas. The current also helps drive global ocean circulation.

The Benguela Current flows along southwest Africa, bringing cold water up from the deep sea. This nutrient-rich upwelling fuels massive plankton blooms near the coast. The blooms attract fish, seabirds, and seals, making the area very rich in life. Near shore it is cool and foggy, while offshore the sea is clear but poor in food.

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.

The Humboldt Current runs north along South America. It pulls up deep, nutrient-rich water that fuels massive plankton blooms. Anchovies, seabirds, and sea lions thrive here. It is one of the most productive fishing grounds on Earth.

The Patagonian Shelf is a wide underwater plateau off Argentina. Here, cold and warm currents meet, and storms stir up nutrients from the deep. Plankton blooms in spring and autumn feed fish, whales, and seabirds. Swirling fronts and eddies, like spinning mini-currents, gather life into rich feeding spots.

The Sea of Japan lies between Japan, Russia, and Korea. Winters are freezing, summers are warm, and deep currents bring in oxygen and nutrients. Spring blooms line the coasts, but in summer the surface becomes a clear “ocean desert.” Winter storms and coastal upwelling mix the waters again, making it a sea of constant change.