Sulu Sea Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Sulu Sea
Satellite image from NASA showing the internal waves formed in the Sulu Sea
Sulu Sea Location in Mindanao Show map of Mindanao Sulu Sea Location in Philippines Show map of Philippines Sulu Sea Location in Southeast Asia Show map of Southeast Asia
Coordinates	8°N 120°E / 8°N 120°E / 8; 120
Type	sea
Etymology	Sulu
Basin countries	Philippines Malaysia

Surface area	260,000 square kilometres (100,000 sq mi)

Settlements	Bacolod Bago Bayawan Beluran Dapitan Dipolog Himamaylan Iloilo City Isabela City Jolo Jordan Kabankalan Kinabatangan Kota Marudu Kunak Lahad Datu Kudat Pitas Puerto Princesa San Jose de Buenavista Sandakan Silay Sipalay Talisay Victorias Zamboanga City

The Sulu Sea is a large body of water located in the southwestern Philippines. It is surrounded by several islands and landmasses. To the northwest, you'll find Palawan, a long island known for its beautiful nature. To the southeast are the Sulu Archipelago and the island of Mindanao. The island of Borneo is to the southwest.

This sea is an important part of the Pacific Ocean. It covers a huge area of about 260,000 square kilometers (100,000 square miles). Many cities and towns are located along its coasts, including Puerto Princesa in the Philippines and Sandakan in Malaysia.

Islands and Reefs
- Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park
Marine Life and Ecosystem
- Amazing Creatures
- Importance of Coral Reefs
Images for kids
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Islands and Reefs

The Sulu Sea is home to many islands. Some of these islands are part of the province of Palawan. These include the Cuyo Islands and Cagayan Sulu. Other islands, like Mapun and the Turtle Islands, belong to the province of Tawi-Tawi.

Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park

One of the most famous places in the Sulu Sea is the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. This park is a very special place because it is a World Heritage Site. This means it is recognized by the UNESCO as having outstanding universal value.

The Tubbataha Reefs are made up of two large coral atolls, North Atoll and South Atoll. There is also a smaller reef called Jessie Beazley Reef. These reefs are home to an incredible variety of marine life. You can find many different kinds of corals, fish, sharks, and sea turtles here. It's a protected area, which helps keep its amazing underwater world safe.

Marine Life and Ecosystem

The Sulu Sea is known for its rich marine biodiversity. This means it has a wide range of different plants and animals living in its waters. The warm, clear waters and coral reefs create perfect homes for many species.

Amazing Creatures

Many types of fish swim in the Sulu Sea, from small, colorful reef fish to larger open-ocean species. Sharks, like the one found in Tubbataha, are also common. Sea turtles, including the green sea turtle and hawksbill sea turtle, use the reefs as feeding grounds and nesting sites. The sea also supports various types of dolphins and whales.

Importance of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are like underwater cities. They provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for countless marine animals. The reefs in the Sulu Sea, especially Tubbataha, are vital for the health of the ocean. They also help protect coastlines from strong waves.