Neritic zone

The shallow marine region extending from the low-tide line to the edge of the continental shelf. Its relatively shallow water allows sunlight to reach much of the seafloor.

Continental shelf: The gently sloping submerged edge of a continent, extending from the shoreline to the continental slope. The shelf’s outer edge marks the seaward boundary of the neritic zone.
Primary production: The creation of organic matter from inorganic sources by organisms, especially through photosynthesis. Abundant light and nutrients can make neritic waters highly productive.
Marine fisheries: The capture and management of wild marine animals for food and other uses. Continental shelves support many fisheries because they are productive and accessible.
Oceanic zone: The open ocean beyond the edge of the continental shelf. It lies seaward of the neritic zone and is generally deeper.
Littoral zone: The coastal region between high and low tide marks, alternately exposed and submerged. Its lower boundary is the neritic zone’s shoreward limit.
Upwelling: The rise of cold, nutrient-rich water from depth toward the ocean surface. Coastal upwelling can deliver nutrients that fuel production over the shelf.
Mangrove forest: A coastal forest of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs rooted in intertidal sediments. Mangroves border neritic waters and provide nursery habitat for marine species.
Abyssal zone: The deep-ocean region at depths of roughly 3,000 to 6,000 meters. Its darkness, pressure, and distance from shore contrast with shallow shelf conditions.
Continental slope: The steeply descending region connecting the continental shelf to the deep ocean floor. It begins beyond the shelf edge, where the neritic zone ends.
Tidal current: A horizontal flow of seawater caused by the rise and fall of tides. Tidal currents mix and transport water through shallow coastal habitats.

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Pelagic fishBroader topic: Coastal pelagic fish often inhabit these productive waters.