Great white shark

When crowded or short on nutrients, it forms resting spores that survive in sediment.

A pelagic fish which feeds at night on plankton and small fish, and sustaining major fisheries.

A fast-growing fish that schools in millions, filters plankton, and fluctuates with ocean conditions.

A species of seal which is intelligent and social marine mammals known for their playful nature and ability to be trained.

It is the largest brown alga, able to form extensive kelp forests that provide vital habitat for marine life.

This fish inhabit rocky areas and kelp beds, where they primarily feed on algae but also small invertebrates.

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.