Geography
How Continental Shelves Influence Marine Biodiversity and Fishing Economies
Quick fact
Although continental shelves make up only about 8% of the world's ocean area, they host an estimated 90% of the world's commercial fish catches and are among the most biologically productive marine ecosystems.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever wondered why most of the world's commercial fish are caught near coastlines, not in the open ocean? The answer lies in the underwater extension of the continents themselves.