Sulu Sea

The Sulu Sea, a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean, lies between the southern Philippines, the island of Borneo (part of Malaysia and Indonesia), and the Sulu Archipelago. This body of water is known for its diverse marine life and rich history. It is a vibrant ecosystem, teeming with colorful coral reefs, teeming with diverse marine life and rich cultural heritage, making it a significant location for both biodiversity and human activity.

Cookie cutter shark – Isistius brasiliensis

Bearded ghoul – Inimicus didactylus

Fivefinger wrasse – Iniistius pentadactylus

Longnose butterfly fish – Forcipiger flavissimus

Bluespotted cornetfish – Fistularia commersonii

Yellow-edged lyretail – Variola louti

White-edged lyretail – Variola albimarginata

Greenband goby – Valenciennea randalli

Longnose hawkfish – Oxycirrhites typus

Cook’s cardinalfish – Ostorhinchus cookii

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Geography

The Sulu Sea is a relatively small marginal sea, encompassing an area of approximately 330,000 square kilometers. Its average depth is around 1,500 meters, with the deepest point reaching approximately 5,500 meters. It is connected to the Celebes Sea through the Strait of Basilan and to the Pacific Ocean through the Sibuyan Sea, a part of the Philippine Sea. The sea is bordered by numerous islands and archipelagos, including the Sulu Archipelago, Palawan, and Mindanao in the Philippines, and the islands of Borneo and Sulawesi in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Fauna

The Sulu Sea is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The warm, clear waters provide ideal conditions for a wide variety of marine life, including:

  • Coral reefs: The Sulu Sea boasts extensive coral reefs, some of the most diverse in the world. These reefs are home to an abundance of fish, invertebrates, and other marine organisms.
  • Fish: A vast array of fish species inhabit the Sulu Sea, from small reef fish to large pelagic species like tuna, marlin, and sharks.
  • Sea turtles: Several species of sea turtles, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, call the Sulu Sea home.
  • Marine mammals: Dolphins, whales, and dugongs are also found in the sea, adding to its biodiversity.

Surrounding Countries

The Sulu Sea is bordered by four countries:

  • Philippines: The largest portion of the Sulu Sea coastline belongs to the Philippines, specifically the southern islands of Mindanao, Palawan, and the Sulu Archipelago.
  • Malaysia: The state of Sabah in eastern Malaysia borders the Sulu Sea.
  • Indonesia: The Indonesian provinces of East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan share a border with the Sulu Sea.

Climate and Water Temperature

The Sulu Sea experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity year-round. The water temperature is generally warm, ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F) throughout the year. The warm waters contribute to the thriving coral reefs and marine life in the region.