Arafura Sea

The Arafura Sea is a shallow marginal sea located between the northern coast of Australia and the southern coast of New Guinea. It connects to the Indian Ocean through the Timor Sea and the Pacific Ocean through the Torres Strait. The sea is named after the Arafura people, an indigenous Australian group who lived in the area. It is known for its diverse marine life, including a wide variety of fish, corals, and sea turtles.

Midget flathead – Onigocia spinosa

John dory – Zeus faber

Dwarf lionfish – Dendrochirus brachypterus

Three-spined frogfish – Batrachomoeus trispinosus

Red-sashed hogfish – Bodianus rubrisos

Dusky frillgoby – Bathygobius fuscus

Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin, Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin – Tursiops aduncus

Jellyfish – Thysanostoma thysanura

Silver sillago – Sillago sihama

Heller’s barracuda – Sphyraena helleri

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Geography

The Arafura Sea covers an area of approximately 1,040,000 square kilometers (401,500 sq mi). Its maximum depth is approximately 81 meters (266 ft), making it one of the shallowest seas in the world. The sea is characterized by a low-lying coastline, with numerous islands and inlets. It is also affected by the monsoons, with strong winds and currents during the wet season.

Fauna

The Arafura Sea is home to a diverse range of marine life, including:

  • Fish: The sea is rich in fish species, including tuna, mackerel, snapper, and grouper. It is also a major breeding ground for commercially important fish species, such as barramundi.
  • Coral: The sea has extensive coral reefs, particularly in the western and eastern parts. These reefs are home to a wide variety of corals, as well as many other marine animals.
  • Sea Turtles: The Arafura Sea is a key nesting ground for several species of sea turtles, including the green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, and leatherback turtle.
  • Whales and Dolphins: Humpback whales and other cetaceans also visit the sea during their migration routes.
  • Mangrove Forests: The coastal areas of the Arafura Sea are lined with extensive mangrove forests, which are important habitats for a wide variety of birds, fish, and other marine life.

Surrounding Countries

The Arafura Sea borders the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Papua New Guinea
  • East Timor

Climate and Water Temperature

The climate of the Arafura Sea is tropical, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) throughout the year. The sea is also affected by the monsoon winds, which bring heavy rainfall during the wet season (November to April).

Economic Importance

The Arafura Sea is an important economic resource for the surrounding countries. Fishing is a major industry, and the sea also supports tourism and oil and gas exploration. The sea is also a significant source of transportation, with ships regularly traversing its waters.

Environmental Issues

The Arafura Sea faces a number of environmental challenges, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. These challenges threaten the delicate balance of the sea's ecosystem and could have significant impacts on the livelihoods of people living in the region.