1. Epipelagic Zone:
- Also known as the sunlit zone or surface zone.
- Extends from the surface of the ocean down to about 200 meters (660 feet) in depth.
- Receives sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis, making it the most biologically productive zone.
- Warmer water temperatures and high oxygen levels support diverse marine life, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, marine mammals, and seabirds.
2. Mesopelagic Zone:
- Located below the epipelagic zone and extends from 200 meters to about 1000 meters (3280 feet) in depth.
- Receives limited sunlight, hence the name "twilight zone."
- Lower temperatures, increased pressure, and lower oxygen levels compared to the epipelagic zone.
- Inhabited by a specialized group of organisms adapted to low-light conditions, including deep-sea fish, jellyfish, and bioluminescent species.
The pelagic environments play vital roles in the global carbon cycle, ocean currents, and nutrient transport. They are crucial habitats for numerous marine organisms and support many commercially important fish species. However, these environments are also susceptible to human activities such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect their ecological balance.