Pelagik

Pelagik refers to the open ocean, specifically the water column far from the shore and the seafloor. Organisms that live in this environment are known as pelagic organisms or pelagic life. This vast habitat is divided into different zones based on depth and light penetration. The epipelagic zone, also known as the sunlight zone, extends from the surface down to about 200 meters and receives ample sunlight, supporting photosynthesis. Below this is the mesopelagic zone, or twilight zone, from 200 to 1,000 meters, where sunlight is dim and photosynthesis is not possible. Further down, the bathyalpelagic zone (1,000 to 4,000 meters), abyssalpelagic zone (4,000 to 6,000 meters), and hadalpelagic zone (below 6,000 meters) are characterized by perpetual darkness and extreme pressure.

Life in the pelagic zone is diverse and adapted to these varied conditions. Phytoplankton, microscopic plants, form the base of the food web in the upper layers, producing oxygen and consuming carbon dioxide. Zooplankton, tiny animals, feed on phytoplankton and are in turn preyed upon by larger organisms. The pelagic realm is home to a wide array of fish, marine mammals, jellyfish, and cephalopods. Many pelagic species are migratory, traveling great distances for feeding or breeding. The health of the pelagic ecosystem is crucial for the global ocean and plays a significant role in regulating Earth's climate. Pollution, overfishing, and climate change pose threats to this vital environment.