The Benguela Current is an important ocean current that flows northwards along the coast of South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. The current mixes water from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans as they meet off the capes of South Africa, and is driven northwards by the prevailing south-easterly winds. These winds are also responsible for generating oceanic upwelling, resulting in high biological productivity that supports rich fish stocks.

Running from the African coast to the southern mid-Atlantic Ridge is a prominent chain of volcanic seamounts known as the Walvis Ridge. This ridge not only forms a significant physical barrier, creating a range of oceanographic phenomena, but also creates a variety of habitats that host a wide diversity of species and ecosystems.

Boundary of the iAtlantic study region: 9. Abyssal plains and deep-sea ridge ecosystems of the Benguela Current from the Walvis Ridge to South Africa

The southern and inshore boundaries of Region #9 was adjusted to better capture the Ecoregion and bathy regions along the South African coast. The boundary w...