Eco-regions

UNEP-WCMC advised earthdive to divide the world’s oceans into 30 eco-regions which were broadly similar in terms of climate and capable of supporting common types of marine flora and fauna.

Marine scientists and biologists with specialised knowledge in these ecoregions each nominated five marine life species, whose numbers, when monitored over time, would indicate the presence or absence of a significant pattern or condition for each eco-region.

This information is valuable in determining the changing state of our oceans and helps to determine and prioritise urgent conservation activities.

Discover these earthdive eco-regions by clicking on the links below:

Africa (North-West) – Atlantic Coast – Temperate

Africa (Southern) – Sub-tropical/Warm Temperate

Africa (South-West) – Temperate – Benguela Current

Africa (West) – Atlantic Coast – Tropical

America (North) – Atlantic Coast – Sub-polar

America (North) – Atlantic Coast – Sub-tropical

America (North) – Atlantic Coast – Temperate

America (North) – Pacific Coast – Sub-polar

America (North) – Pacific Coast – Sub-tropical

America (North) – Pacific Coast – Temperate

America (South) – Atlantic Coast – Sub-tropical

America (South) – Atlantic Coast – Temperate

America (South) – Atlantic Coast – Tropical

America (South) – Pacific Coast – Sub-tropical

America (South) – Pacific Coast – Temperate

America (South) – Pacific Coast – Tropical

Australia – Sub-tropical/temperate

Australia – Temperate

Caribbean – Tropical

Europe – Temperate

Europe – Sub-polar

Indo-Pacific – Tropical

Japan/Asia – Sub-tropical (south of 29 degrees)

Japan/Asia – Temperate

Mediterranean

New Zealand – Sub-tropical

New Zealand – Temperate

Polar – Antarctic

Polar – Arctic

Russia (Eastern) Sea of Okhotsk – Sub-polar

Download information packs for each eco-region here Briefing Packs