Neritic zone

The neritic zone is the part of the ocean that extends over the continental shelf, up to a depth of about 200 meters, where the slope of the shelf breaks. This zone includes the pelagic area as well as the benthic area.

The water in this zone is turbid, full of suspended matter from the continent and estuaries. The zone therefore has a rich and highly varied environment (temperature, movement, molecules) conducive to biodiversity.