| Ecosystem |
Northern Bering - Chukchi Seas |
| Type |
Sea/Bay/Gulf |
| Salinity |
saltwater |
| Other Names |
SAU name: Northern Bering - Chukchi Seas. Chukchi Sea (LME 2008) |
| Location |
|
LME SAU No 54. Arctic Ocean, between Siberia and Alaska. LME2002, Modified LME 2006, SAUP 2008. |
77° N 65° N - 180° W 153° W |
|
| Location Map |
chukchi-sea.jpg |
| Size Ref |
|
River Length |
|
Area |
1333997 km2 |
Drainage Area |
|
|
| Depth |
|
Average Depth |
|
Max Depth |
|
Ref |
|
|
| Temperature |
|
| Description |
The Northern Bering - Chukchi Seas Large Marine Ecosystem is a high-latitude marine region situated off of Russia’s East Siberian coast. It is fed by both Pacific and Arctic waters. Pacific waters enter the LME via the Bering Strait. The LME is characterized by its extreme environment, and major seasonal and annual changes in ocean climate. It is a relatively shallow area with an extensive continental shelf. The coastline is indented with many islands, shallow bays, gulfs and inlets. The ice-cover varies considerably during the year and inter-annually. The LME is driven by climatic conditions, e.g. temperature, which has a great influence on the distribution, growth and recruitment of the LME’s major fish species and its other living marine resources. The Chukchi Sea is a major chokepoint. Arctic water circulation moves along from the Kara Sea to the Chukchi Sea, and toward the coastal areas of Alaska (http://na.nefsc.noaa.gov/lme/text/lme54.htm). Temperature given in 100m depth is for 20m depth. |
| Comments on faunal list |
Area from SAU (November 2015). |
| URL 1 |
http://www.seaaroundus.org/lme/54.aspx |
| URL 2 |
|
| Ecosystem Checklist Link |
|
| Total |
|
Species |
Families |
Species |
Families |
Reference |
|
79 |
18 |
|
|
|
|
