Celtic Sea

The Celtic Sea is a large, triangular-shaped area of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean located west of the British Isles. It extends from the south-western coast of Ireland to the north-western coast of France, covering an area of approximately 472,000 square kilometers (182,000 square miles).

Football Jersey Worm – Tubulanus annulatus

Fried Egg Jellyfish,egg-yolk Jellyfish – Phacellophora camtschatica

Green Ormer, European Edible Abalone, Tuberculate Abalone – Haliotis tuberculata

Horned Octopus, Lesser Octopus, Northern Octopus – Eledone cirrhosa

Common Cockle, Edible Cockle – Cerastoderma edule

Painted Top Shell – Calliostoma zizyphinum

Club Hydroid, Club-Headed Hydroid – Clava multicornis

Shining Topshell – Calliostoma conulus

Large Spiny Cockle – Acanthocardia aculeata

Geography and Bathymetry

The Celtic Sea is characterized by its relatively shallow depths, with an average depth of 114 meters (374 feet). The deepest point, located in the Porcupine Bank, reaches 1,185 meters (3,888 feet). The seafloor is dotted with numerous submerged banks, troughs, and canyons, formed by geological processes and influenced by the movement of glaciers during the last ice age.

Surrounding Countries

The Celtic Sea borders several countries, including:

  • Ireland
  • United Kingdom (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
  • France

Fauna

The Celtic Sea is a rich and diverse marine ecosystem, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna. It is home to numerous species of fish, including cod, haddock, whiting, and mackerel. The sea also harbors a significant population of marine mammals, such as seals, dolphins, and whales. Seabirds, such as gulls, puffins, and gannets, are frequently seen in the area.

Water Temperature and Salinity

The Celtic Sea is influenced by the Gulf Stream, which brings warmer waters from the tropics. As a result, the surface water temperatures are generally mild, ranging from 9 to 12 °C (48 to 54 °F) in winter and 15 to 18 °C (59 to 64 °F) in summer. The salinity of the water is relatively high, averaging around 35 parts per thousand.

Economic Importance

The Celtic Sea plays a significant role in the economies of the surrounding countries. Fishing is a major industry in the region, with numerous commercial vessels targeting various species of fish and shellfish. The sea also possesses significant potential for renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind farms.

Environmental Concerns

The Celtic Sea faces various environmental challenges, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Overfishing has depleted stocks of some fish species, while pollution from industrial activities and agricultural runoff threatens the health of the marine ecosystem. Climate change is leading to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, which could have significant impacts on marine life.