Arctic marine habitats

Arctic marine habitats are diverse environments beneath the cold, icy waters around the North Pole. These habitats include shallow coastal areas with sea ice and deep, open ocean regions. They support various life forms such as phytoplankton (tiny plants), fish, whales, polar bears, seals, and seabirds. Sea ice provides a platform for animals and influences the ecosystem by affecting light levels and temperature. The seasonal changes and ice dynamics shape these habitats, which are vital for the health of global climate systems and biodiversity. Once fragile, they are now vulnerable to climate change and human activities.