Bohai Sea

Bohai Sea (Chinese: 渤海), also known as Bohai Gulf, Bo Hai, or Bo Sea, is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean located on the northeastern coast of China. It is the innermost gulf of the Yellow Sea and Korea Bay on the coast of Northeastern and North China. The Bohai Sea is bounded by the Shandong Peninsula to the south, the Liaodong Peninsula to the north, and it connects with the Yellow Sea to the east. The sea takes its name from the historical region of Bohai, which was located in the vicinity of the sea.

Geography

The Bohai Sea covers an area of approximately 78,000 square kilometers. It is approximately Bohai Sea's average depth is relatively shallow, averaging about 18 meters, with a maximum depth of 85 meters. The sea is subject to seasonal temperature variations and is frozen over in parts during the winter months.

Major rivers, including the Yellow River (Huang He), Liao River, and Hai River, discharge into the Bohai Sea, bringing large amounts of sediment and contributing to the significant siltation in the area. This influx of sediment has led to the formation of the Bohai Sea's extensive mudflat and wetland areas, which are important habitats for various species of wildlife and migratory birds.

Economic Importance

The Bohai Sea is of significant economic importance to China. It is a major center for offshore oil and gas exploration, with several oilfields located in the sea, contributing substantially to China's energy resources. Additionally, the sea's coastal areas are heavily industrialized, with key industries including shipping, shipbuilding, and fishing. The Bohai Sea also supports a variety of aquaculture, particularly shellfish and seaweed farming.

Environmental Concerns

The industrial activities and the heavy riverine input have led to environmental concerns in the Bohai Sea, including pollution and habitat destruction. Oil spills, industrial discharge, and excessive sedimentation from the Yellow River have adversely affected marine life and water quality. Efforts are being made to address these environmental issues, including stricter regulations on industrial discharges and initiatives to clean up oil spills.

Administrative Divisions

The Bohai Sea is surrounded by several Chinese provinces and municipalities, including Hebei, Liaoning, Shandong, and Tianjin. These regions have administrative jurisdiction over the parts of the Bohai Sea that border their respective coastlines.

See Also

• Yellow Sea
• East China Sea
• South China Sea