This zone is the shallow water area of the ocean, extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. It's characterized by:
* Sunlight penetration: Sunlight reaches the bottom of the neritic zone, allowing for photosynthesis by marine plants and algae.
* High biodiversity: The neritic zone supports a wide variety of marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and mammals like the California Sea Lion.
* Relatively warm temperatures: Water temperatures are generally warmer than in deeper zones.
California Sea Lions spend their time along the coasts, in estuaries, and on rocky islands, all within the neritic zone.