Sargasso Sea
Body of waterAbout
The Sargasso Sea is a unique body of water in the North Atlantic Ocean, distinguished by its free-floating Sargassum seaweed. This ecosystem is not bounded by land but is defined by four ocean currents: the Gulf Stream, North Atlantic Current, Canary Current, and North Atlantic Equatorial Current. These currents form a clockwise-circulating system known as the North Atlantic Gyre. The Sargasso Sea is renowned for its calm blue waters and exceptional clarity, with underwater visibility reaching up to 60 meters. The Sargasso Sea supports a diverse array of marine life. The Sargassum seaweed provides habitat for numerous species, including fish, shrimp, crabs, and sea turtles. It serves as a nursery for juvenile fish and a spawning site for endangered eels and other marine species. The area is also a migratory corridor for whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Despite its ecological importance, the Sargasso Sea faces threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Efforts are underway to protect this vital ecosystem through international cooperation and conservation initiatives.
