Large Marine Ecosystems of the WorldThe 50 Large Marine Ecosystems are regions of ocean space encompassing coastal areas from river basins and estuaries to the seaward boundaries of continental shelves and coastal current systems. They are relatively large regions of distinct bathymetry, hydrography, productivity, and trophically dependent populations.
Available information includes: maps of the LMEs; descriptions of LMEs including initial information on productivity, fisheries, ecosystem health and pollution, socioeconomic issues, and governance; GIS data (ARC Export format) and FGDC compliant metadata defining LME boundaries; current news on LME research; and contact information for LME experts.