Conditions differ as you move away from shore.

Ocean environments change with depth and distance from shore. Near shore environments are called the neritic zone – water above the continental shelf sunlight still reaches this area Nutrients are still washed in from the land Supports the most types of life than anywhere else on Earth Life: plants (as tall as 10 story buildings) and animals (larger than elephants). These are all part of the food web

The waters near the shore support diverse life forms. Coral Reefs: built-up limestone deposits formed by large colonies of ant-sized organisms called corals In warm, tropical regions Corals are small animals that produce hard structures that surround their bodies When a coral dies, the structure remains and new coral attach to the structure Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is about 1250 miles long Eat a specific type of algae. The algae grows inside of the coral. It produces food that gives coral nutrition. The algae needs sunlight to survive so coral can only exist near shore. Corals contain about 25% of all the species of ocean life. Animals use this for protection and food. Corals are endangered. Pollution and fishing really harm the corals. An atoll is a ring shaped reef surrounding a shallow lagoon Kelp Forests: large communities of seaweed called kelp that attaches itself to the ocean floor and grows as tall as 130 feet. These have air filled bulbs that help the plant grow up towards the sun. In cold waters but uses sunlight to produce food so it only grows near shore Animals like lobsters, crabs, octopuses, and sea otters find shelter and food here

Click this link to watch a video about coral reefs