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Neritic Ecosystems

Extending above the continental shelves that surround each landmass, the neritic zone comprises shallow, coastal oceans rich in plankton and small fish. Feeding on plankton, these fish are food for larger fish, including sharks. Inhabiting the deeper ocean, these species enter the neritic zone to feed.

Features
- Waters of the neritic zone are under 200 feet deep. They receive plenty of sunlight and are relatively warm. Fed directly by rivers, these coastal waters vary in salinity and receive minerals and organic matter deposited from the landmass. These conditions favor large populations of plankton, krill and algae. These are the "producers" forming the bottom tier of every neritic ecosystem.
Function
- The huge numbers of producers are food for small shoal-forming fish, including tuna, mackerel and herring. Crustaceans and shellfish also feed on this microscopic life, although crabs, sea anenomes and other inhabitants of this zone will also eat small fish.
Significance
- Teeming fish of the neritic zone feed humans, birds, mammals and sharks.
  
  Secondary and tertiary consumers are larger fish, fish-eating birds, seals and sharks. All of these enter the neritic zone in search of prey. Added to this are the human fishermen who also ply the waters of the neritic zone. Like the sharks, seals and seabirds, humans are attracted by the tuna, herring and mackerel --- vital food sources for numerous species.

Animals & Science