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Water column - Pelagic zone

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© F. Launette

Description

The water column is a column of water that stretches from the surface of the sea to the bottom of the sea. Many organisms live and feed here : from plankton that drift with the currents, to fish, cetaceans and cephalopods that swim alone or in schools. Called the pelagic zone, this is where humans mainly fish.

Did you know?

The water column is particularly sensitive to climate change causing an increase in its temperature and its acidification.

Main associated species

  • Striped dolphin
  • Common bottled-nosed dolphin
  • Fin Whale
  • Risso’s dolphin
  • Long-finned pilot whale
  • Sea bream
  • Bonito
  • White bream
  • Red mullet
  • Mediterranean rainbow wrasse
  • Octopus