Celebes Sea facts for kids
The Celebes Sea is a large sea in the western Pacific Ocean. It's surrounded by several islands and countries. To the north, you'll find the Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea, along with Mindanao Island in the Philippines. To the east are the Sangihe Islands, to the south is Sulawesi, and to the west is Kalimantan in Indonesia.
This sea stretches about 420 miles (675 km) from north to south and 520 miles (837 km) from east to west. It covers a huge area of about 110,000 square miles (285,000 km2). The deepest part of the Celebes Sea goes down about 20,300 feet (6,200 m). In the southwest, it connects to the Java Sea through the Makassar Strait.
Contents
Amazing Ocean Life
The Celebes Sea is full of amazing fish and other ocean creatures. Because the water is warm, clear, and tropical, it's home to many different types of coral. In fact, about 580 of the world's 793 kinds of reef-building corals live here!
You can find a huge variety of marine animals, including gentle whales and playful dolphins. There are also graceful sea turtles, large manta rays, and speedy eagle rays. Many other fish like barracuda, marlin, and different reef fish also call this sea home. Tuna and yellowfin tuna are especially common here.
A Look at Sea Challenges
Historically, some parts of the Celebes Sea have been known for pirate activities. These groups sometimes targeted both small fishing boats and larger cargo ships. In modern times, some pirates use advanced tools like radar and GPS devices. They also travel in fast motorboats. The Celebes Sea has faced more piracy challenges than most other seas, though the Gulf of Aden near Somalia has seen more.
Important for Trade and Fun
The Celebes Sea is a very important waterway for trade between different countries in the region. Many ships use it to transport goods. Besides trade, the sea is also a popular spot for fun activities. People love to go diving here to explore the beautiful coral reefs and see the marine life up close. It's also a great place for luxury ocean cruises, where people can relax and enjoy the stunning views.
Images for kids
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The southern border of the Celebes Sea at Kalasey Beach in Bunaken Island, North Sulawesi.
See also
In Spanish: Mar de Célebes para niños
