What is the Norwegian Current marine ecoregion?

Themisto libellula is a large predatory amphipod that lives in cold northern waters.

Calanus glacialis is a small crustacean that drifts in cold Arctic seas.

Gonatus fabricii is a squid of cold North Atlantic and Arctic waters that occupies an important midwater predatory role.

In Norwegian Current food webs, Atlantic cod can also operate as a higher-level predator when it feeds on forage fish and large pelagic invertebrates.

Clupea harengus, the Atlantic herring, is a schooling pelagic fish that feeds on zooplankton in surface and near-surface waters.

Fratercula arctica, the Atlantic puffin, is a diving seabird that feeds on small fish and large zooplankton.

Micromesistius poutassou is a pelagic gadiform fish that feeds on zooplankton and small nekton in the North Atlantic.

Mallotus villosus, the capelin, is a small schooling forage fish that feeds on plankton and small crustaceans.

The Arctic Ocean is one of the coldest seas on Earth, with thick ice on the surface. In winter it stays dark for months, but in summer the sun shines all day and algae bloom under the ice. Openings in the ice, called leads and polynyas, let light and air into the water. Northern lights and rapid warming make this icy ocean both magical and fragile.

The Iceland–Faroe Ridge is a shallow underwater bridge between Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Cold, heavy water flows over it into the Atlantic, driving global ocean currents. These flows are part of the “conveyor belt” that moves heat around the planet. The ridge itself is built from both old rocks and volcanic crust.

The Scotia Sea lies between South America and Antarctica. Icy winds and drifting ice stir its waters. Long, dark winters are followed by short summers with huge plankton blooms. It is one of the most productive but also toughest seas for life.

The Southern Ocean circles Antarctica with fierce winds, giant waves, and winter sea ice that doubles the continent’s size. It is full of life, with tiny shrimp-like krill feeding penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds. Its waters are linked by the strong Antarctic Circumpolar Current, a huge river of water moving around the globe. This ocean also stores carbon and helps regulate Earth’s climate.