Celebes Sea

The Celebes Sea, also known as the Sulawesi Sea, is a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean. Located between the islands of Borneo, Sulawesi, and the Philippines, it is a vital waterway for trade and a haven for diverse marine life. The sea boasts a remarkable array of coral reefs, teeming with colorful fish, marine mammals, and various invertebrates.

Black-spotted goby – Istigobius nigroocellatus

Celebes razorfish – Iniistius celebicus

Stony Coral – Isopora brueggemanni

Cookie cutter shark – Isistius brasiliensis

Bearded ghoul – Inimicus didactylus

Fivefinger wrasse – Iniistius pentadactylus

Branching Frogspawn Coral – Fimbriaphyllia paradivisa

Knob Coral – Favites rotundata

Longnose butterfly fish – Forcipiger flavissimus

Favites Colemani – Favites colemani

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Geography

The Celebes Sea is a large, roughly triangular body of water with an area of approximately 450,000 square kilometers. It is bordered by the Sulu Sea to the west, the Makassar Strait to the south, and the Philippine Sea to the east. Its maximum depth reaches approximately 6,200 meters. The sea is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 1,500 meters.

Water Temperature

The Celebes Sea exhibits a tropical climate, with water temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C throughout the year. The warm temperatures contribute to the flourishing of its diverse marine ecosystems.

Fauna

The Celebes Sea is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Its waters are home to a vast array of marine life, including:

  • Over 500 species of fish, including tuna, marlin, and sharks
  • Numerous species of corals, contributing to the stunning beauty of the sea
  • Marine mammals, such as dolphins, whales, and dugongs
  • A variety of invertebrates, including sea turtles, jellyfish, and sea anemones

This rich marine life is sustained by the presence of nutrients and currents that carry food from the surrounding land masses.

Surrounding Countries

The Celebes Sea is surrounded by several countries, including:

  • Indonesia (Sulawesi)
  • Malaysia (Sabah)
  • Philippines (Mindanao)
  • Brunei (Borneo)

These countries share maritime boundaries with the sea and have established fishing zones and conservation areas to protect its marine resources.

Threats

The Celebes Sea faces a number of threats, including:

  • Overfishing, depleting fish stocks and disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem
  • Pollution from land-based sources, including industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage
  • Climate change, leading to rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and increased frequency of extreme weather events

Efforts to mitigate these threats are ongoing, involving collaboration between governments, organizations, and local communities to promote sustainable fisheries, reduce pollution, and conserve the natural beauty of the Celebes Sea.