Sargasso Sea

The Sargasso Sea, a region of the North Atlantic Ocean, stands out as a unique and fascinating body of water. Unlike any other sea, it lacks a defined coastline and is instead identified by its distinct oceanographic characteristics. It is a region of convergence, where clockwise-rotating currents, the North Atlantic Gyre, create a large, slow-moving vortex of water. The Sargasso Sea’s defining feature is the abundance of sargassum seaweed, which gives it its name.

Great barracuda – Sphyraena barracuda

Tripletail – Lobotes surinamensis

European eel – Anguilla anguilla

Greater Amberjack – Seriola Dumerili

Almaco Amberjack or Longfin Yellowtail – Seriola rivoliana

Bearded Fireworm – Hermodice carunculata

Grey Triggerfish – Balistes capriscus

Bermuda Sea Chub – Kyphosus sectatrix

Location and Boundaries

The Sargasso Sea is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, bounded by four currents: the Gulf Stream to the west, the North Atlantic Current to the north, the Canary Current to the east, and the North Atlantic Equatorial Current to the south. It spans approximately 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) from east to west and 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) from north to south.

Depth and Water Temperature

The average depth of the Sargasso Sea is 16,400 feet (5,000 meters), with its deepest point reaching around 27,000 feet (8,200 meters). Due to its location and the warm waters circulating through it, the Sargasso Sea enjoys a relatively warm temperature range. Surface temperatures typically fluctuate between 68°F and 86°F (20°C and 30°C).

Fauna

The Sargasso Sea is home to a diverse array of marine life, including:

  • Sargassum fish: These fish, like the sargassum frogfish and the sargassum anglerfish, have evolved to blend seamlessly with the seaweed, using camouflage for hunting and protection.
  • Sea turtles: The loggerhead sea turtle, the green sea turtle, and the leatherback sea turtle use the Sargasso Sea as a breeding ground and a source of food.
  • Whales: Humpback whales, sperm whales, and fin whales migrate through the Sargasso Sea, feeding on the abundant krill and fish.
  • Birds: The Sargasso Sea also provides habitat for numerous seabirds, including petrels, shearwaters, and terns, which utilize the area for feeding and breeding.

Surrounding Countries

The Sargasso Sea does not belong to any specific country, as it is an open ocean region. However, the surrounding land masses include:

  • North America: The United States (including Florida and the east coast), Canada (Nova Scotia), and Mexico.
  • South America: Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil.
  • Europe: Portugal, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom.
  • Africa: Morocco, Mauritania, and Western Sahara.