Many ocean animals like whales and sea turtles migrate north from the Caribbean Sea in the summer to feed. On which ocean current do they travel? What do these animals do while in the Caribbean Sea?
Ocean animals like whales and sea turtles often migrate north from the Caribbean Sea in the summer to feed. They travel on the ocean current known as the Gulf Stream.
To understand why these animals migrate north through the Caribbean Sea, it helps to know about the role of ocean currents in their movements. The Gulf Stream is a powerful warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico, along the eastern coast of the United States, and across the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe. It carries warm water and nutrients, making it an ideal feeding ground for many marine animals.
During their time in the Caribbean Sea, these animals engage in a variety of activities. For example, some species of whales, such as humpback whales, use the Caribbean waters as a breeding and calving ground. They come to these warmer waters to give birth and nurse their young, taking advantage of the relatively calm conditions and abundant food resources.
Sea turtles also utilize the Caribbean Sea for various purposes. Some species of sea turtles nest on the beaches of Caribbean islands, coming ashore to lay their eggs in the sand. These nesting sites are crucial for their survival, as they provide a safe environment for their eggs to incubate.
Other sea turtles, such as green turtles, forage on seagrass beds and coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea. They graze on the seagrass, which provides essential nutrients for their growth and energy needs. The coral reefs also offer feeding opportunities for turtles, as they can consume algae and other marine organisms that inhabit these ecosystems.
In summary, ocean animals like whales and sea turtles migrate north from the Caribbean Sea in the summer to feed, traveling on the Gulf Stream. While in the Caribbean Sea, whales use it as a breeding and calving ground, and sea turtles utilize it for nesting and foraging purposes.