Marine Ecoregions of Alaska

This data release provides a vector geospatial polygon layer delineating 30 marine ecosystems, within the Large Marine Ecosystems (LME) surrounding Alaska, that can be identified by their similarities in oceanography and biology. These mesoscale ecoregions often cross LME boundaries. We examined the best information available for these mesoscale patterns in the distribution of biological indicators and topographic, bathymetric, and oceanographic features (such as persistent fronts). We have identified 30 marine ecoregions in Alaska. This data release provides vector geospatial polygons delineating these 30 marine ecosystems.