What is the marine zone located off the shore of the continental shelf?

The marine zone located off the shore of the continental shelf is referred to as the oceanic zone. This area begins where the continental shelf ends, typically marked by a steep drop-off. The oceanic zone encompasses a vast body of water that is deeper than the continental shelf and includes the majority of the world's oceans.

In terms of ecological characteristics, the oceanic zone is characterized by deeper waters with less light penetration compared to the neritic zone, which is closer to shore and stretches from the high-water mark to the edge of the continental shelf. The oceanic zone supports different types of marine life, primarily pelagic organisms such as fishes, whales, and other species adapted to these deeper waters.

Overall, the oceanic zone is an essential part of marine ecology, comprising open ocean waters that sustain diverse marine life and participation in global biological and chemical cycles.