pelagial
/pəˈleɪdʒiəl/
noun
- The open ocean, away from the coast and the sea floor; the water column of the sea.
- Scientists study the pelagial to understand how ocean currents affect marine life.
- The pelagial is home to creatures like jellyfish, tuna, and plankton.
- Many fish species spend their entire lives in the pelagial, never coming near the shore.
adjective
- Relating to the open ocean, away from the coast and the sea floor.
- The expedition focused on pelagial ecosystems far from land.
- Pelagial waters are often deeper and clearer than coastal waters.
- Pelagial fish like mackerel migrate across vast distances.