Bering Sea - A Global Ecoregion
One of the richest subpolar and polar marine ecosystems
Snapshot: Ecoregion 197
Size:
N/A
Habitat type:
Polar
Between Pacific and Arctic Oceans
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Quiz Time!
Fish sandwich in the United States and Bering Sea?
Answer:
So many fish, crustaceans and mollusks inhabit this ecoregion that it's one of the most productive fishing spots on the planet. When you bite into a fish sandwich in the United States, there's a 50 percent chance it came from the Bering Sea as more than half the fish consumed in the United States comes from this productive marine ecosystem!
About the Area
The Bering Strait and associated islands are critical to marine life migrating to and from summering grounds in the Chukchi Sea and elsewhere in the Arctic Ocean.
The region supports huge seabird populations, including nearly 2 million murres and auklets, and is home to one of the largest salmon runs in the world. There are also extensive kelp forests and eelgrass beds in coastal lagoons.Local Species
The strait is used by 14 species of marine mammals, such as the endangered Bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), several species of Seals (Family, Phocidae), Sea lions (Family, Otariidae), and the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus).
Salmonids include Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), Chinook (O. tshawytscha), Steelhead (O. mykiss), and Chum (O. keta). Other characteristic species include the Red king crab (Paralithodes camtschatica) and Yellowfin sole (Limanda aspera).
An incredible diversity of whales swim here, including bowhead whales, Sei whales, Dall's porpoise, and sperm whales.
Threats
Over fishing, global warming, coastal mining, and pollution from shipping are the major threats to the region.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
