Irish Sea

The Irish Sea is a marginal sea of the North Atlantic Ocean, separating Ireland from Great Britain. It is a shallow and relatively small body of water, with a surface area of approximately 47,000 square miles (122,000 square kilometers). The sea is characterized by its distinctive tides and currents, which are influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Its depth varies significantly, with the deepest point reaching approximately 270 meters (886 feet) in the central basin. The Irish Sea is home to a diverse ecosystem, supporting a rich array of marine life.

John dory – Zeus faber

Eckström’s topknot – Zeugopterus regius

Black goby – Gobius niger

Three-bearded rockling – Gaidropsarus vulgaris

Blackmouth catshark – Galeus melastomus

Three-spined stickleback – Gasterosteus aculeatus

Tope shark – Galeorhinus galeus

Rock goby – Gobius paganellus

European seabass – Dicentrarchus labrax

Jeffrey’s goby – Buenia jeffreysii

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Fauna

The Irish Sea is a rich habitat for a wide variety of marine life, including:

  • Fish: Cod, haddock, whiting, plaice, flounder, herring, mackerel, and salmon are some of the commercially important fish species found in the sea.
  • Birds: The sea and its surrounding coasts are important breeding grounds for a large number of seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and fulmars.
  • Mammals: Grey seals and harbor seals breed on the rocky shores, while dolphins, porpoises, and even occasional sightings of whales can be observed in the open waters.
  • Invertebrates: The seabed supports a vast array of invertebrates, including crabs, lobsters, starfish, and various types of shellfish.

Surrounding Countries

The Irish Sea is bordered by four countries:

  • Republic of Ireland
  • Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom)
  • England (part of the United Kingdom)
  • Wales (part of the United Kingdom)

Facts

  • Average depth: 47 meters (154 feet)
  • Deepest point: 270 meters (886 feet)
  • Surface area: 47,000 square miles (122,000 square kilometers)
  • Water temperature: Varies between 6°C (43°F) and 17°C (63°F) throughout the year
  • Tides: The Irish Sea experiences a semi-diurnal tidal pattern, with two high tides and two low tides each day.
  • Major ports: Liverpool, Dublin, Belfast, Holyhead, and Pembroke Dock.