Ocean Life

Marine creatures exist in the depths of the Pacific far beyond the penetrating rays of light. Little is known of them, however, and few are ever seen. Most of the marine life occurs in the surface waters, especially on or near the continental shelf. The species are almost infinite in number. They range in size from huge blue whales to microscopic plankton (the tiny plants and animals that make up the basic food in the sea).

Particularly important are the cold, coastal waters of Asia and North and South America. In these commercial fisheries, the water teems with minerals, plankton, and fish, including tuna, salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, and mackerel. In some shallow sections, shellfish such as crabs and clams are the chief catch. Specialized catches include sharks and whales for oil.

Although of great variety, fish in the tropical parts of the Pacific are only moderately abundant and are of little commercial use. They do, however, provide a principal food for many island people. Some species, because of their rarity or brilliant colors, are taken for aquarium use. Pearl oysters and sponges are found in some of the warmer waters; corals are widespread.