Tasman Sea

The Tasman Sea is a marginal sea of the South Pacific Ocean, lying between Australia and New Zealand. It is named after Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman, who was the first European to sight the sea in 1642. The sea is approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) wide and 2,800 kilometers (1,700 mi) long, with a surface area of about 2,000,000 square kilometers (770,000 sq mi). It is the largest body of water entirely within the Southern Hemisphere.

Cookie cutter shark – Isistius brasiliensis

Longnose butterfly fish – Forcipiger flavissimus

Sea Star, Starfish, Many Pored Star – Fromia polypora

Bluespotted cornetfish – Fistularia commersonii

Yellow-edged lyretail – Variola louti

Eastern gobbleguts – Vincentia novaehollandiae

Yellow boxfish – Ostracion cubicum

John dory – Zeus faber

Australian mottled moray – Gymnothorax prionodon

Poison goby – Gobiodon citrinus

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Surrounding Countries

The Tasman Sea is bordered by the following countries:

  • Australia (to the west)
  • New Zealand (to the east)

Geography

The sea's depth varies considerably, with an average depth of about 2,300 meters (7,500 ft) and a maximum depth of 5,943 meters (19,501 ft) in the Tasman Basin. The seafloor is characterized by a series of ridges and troughs, including the Lord Howe Rise, the Norfolk Ridge, and the Chatham Rise. These features are remnants of ancient volcanic activity and continental drift.

Fauna

The Tasman Sea is home to a rich and diverse array of marine life, including:

  • Whales: Humpback whales, sperm whales, blue whales, and orcas are commonly sighted in the sea.
  • Dolphins: Several species of dolphins, such as bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins, inhabit the Tasman Sea.
  • Fish: The sea is a rich fishing ground for various species, including tuna, marlin, and swordfish.
  • Seabirds: A variety of seabirds, including albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters, breed on islands in the Tasman Sea.
  • Marine Reptiles: Leatherback sea turtles and several species of seals and sea lions also call the Tasman Sea home.

Climate

The Tasman Sea experiences a temperate climate, with warm currents from the east and cold currents from the west. The sea is influenced by the prevailing westerly winds, which bring frequent storms and strong waves. Water temperatures vary from 10°C (50°F) in the winter to 25°C (77°F) in the summer.

Facts

  • The Tasman Sea is considered a relatively isolated body of water, which has contributed to the evolution of unique marine life.
  • The sea is an important shipping route between Australia and New Zealand.
  • Several islands are located in the Tasman Sea, including Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, and the Chatham Islands.