Which zone of the marine biome is characterized by shallow water over continental shelves?

The neritic zone is indeed characterized by shallow water that is found over continental shelves. This region extends from the low tide mark to the edge of the continental shelf, typically reaching depths of about 200 meters. It is distinguished by its relatively warm temperatures and abundant sunlight, which allows for photosynthesis and supports a diverse range of marine life, including coral reefs, kelp forests, and various fish species. The productivity of this zone is significantly higher than in deeper oceanic zones, mainly due to the nutrient availability and light penetration.

In contrast to the neritic zone, the oceanic zone refers to the deeper waters beyond the continental shelf, where light diminishes and the environment becomes colder and darker. The abyssal zone represents the ocean floor at depths greater than about 2000 meters, characterized by extreme conditions with high pressure and low temperatures. The pelagic realm encompasses all open ocean waters but does not specifically refer to the shallow areas over continental shelves where the majority of marine life flourishes. Thus, the characteristics of the neritic zone make it the correct designation for the area described in the question.