This vast region lies entirely beyond national jurisdiction, stretching outside the 200-nautical-mile limits of surrounding coastal states. The water is mostly deeper than 1,000 metres here, encompassing extensive abyssal plains punctuated by major oceanic features such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Rockall–Hatton Plateau, and numerous seamounts. Its remote and fully oceanic character distinguishes it from most other ICES ecoregions.
Human activities in the region remain relatively limited, with shipping the most widespread and fishing occurring at low intensity. Nevertheless, marine litter is now the predominant direct pressure, affecting all components of the ecosystem. Collateral mortality from fishing and shipping continues to impact upper-trophic-level species including fish, seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals.
The updated overview highlights the richness of benthic communities and the presence of unique vulnerable marine ecosystems that contribute significantly to global biodiversity. Topographic features serve as key aggregation areas for marine life, and long-term data show a positive trend in chlorophyll a, indicating increased phytoplankton activity. However, the status of most deep-sea fish stocks remains uncertain, and many North Atlantic seabird populations continue to decline.
Climate change is reshaping the region, with projected shifts in phytoplankton biomass, earlier seasonal peaks in productivity, and the unprecedented 2023 marine heatwave signalling more frequent extreme events. The ecoregion remains vital for global climate regulation, carbon cycling, shipping, telecommunications, and high-seas fisheries.
View and download the Oceanic Northeast Atlantic Ecosystem Overview.
