Celebes Sea

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Enoploteuthis.jpg
Kalasey Beach Manado.JPG
Maitumcoastal.jpg

Celebes Sea is a marginal sea located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, bounded by the Philippines to the north, Sulawesi (formerly known as Celebes) to the west, and Borneo to the southwest. It is one of the deepest seas in the world, with a maximum depth of 6,220 meters (20,406 feet) in the Emden Deep. The sea covers an area of approximately 280,000 square kilometers (110,000 square miles), making it a significant body of water in the Southeast Asia region.

Geography[edit | edit source]

The Celebes Sea is surrounded by a complex of island chains, peninsulas, and seas. To the north, it is connected to the Sulu Sea and the Philippine Sea by various straits and channels. The Makassar Strait links it to the Java Sea to the west, while the passage between Sulawesi and Borneo to the south is less clearly defined. The sea's basin is largely deep and oceanic, with a complex underwater topography featuring numerous trenches, seamounts, and basins.

Biodiversity[edit | edit source]

The Celebes Sea is known for its high level of biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of marine life, including many species of coral, fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. The sea's coral ecosystems are particularly rich and are part of the Coral Triangle, an area known for having the highest diversity of coral species in the world. The Celebes Sea also serves as a migration route for several species of whales and dolphins, and its deep waters are believed to be a habitat for many undiscovered marine species.

Environmental Concerns[edit | edit source]

The Celebes Sea faces several environmental threats, including overfishing, illegal fishing, and marine pollution. These activities have led to a decline in fish stocks and damage to coral reefs, which are crucial for the marine biodiversity of the region. Efforts to protect the Celebes Sea and its marine life include the establishment of marine protected areas and the implementation of sustainable fishing practices.

Economic Importance[edit | edit source]

The Celebes Sea is an important route for shipping and trade in Southeast Asia. It also has significant fisheries that support the livelihoods of thousands of people in the surrounding countries. In addition, the sea has potential for offshore oil and gas exploration, although this is balanced against environmental concerns and the need for sustainable development.

Exploration and Research[edit | edit source]

Scientific exploration and research in the Celebes Sea are ongoing, with international and regional collaborations focusing on understanding its complex marine ecosystems, geology, and oceanography. These studies aim to discover new species, understand marine biodiversity patterns, and assess the impacts of human activities on the sea's health.

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD