What kinds of animals live in the northern Bering Sea?

The northern Bering Sea supports a diverse range of marine life, driven by high biological productivity resulting from nutrient-rich waters rising to the surface.12

Marine Mammals and Fish

The northern areas of the sea are inhabited by walrus, various species of seal, and sea lion. Additionally, several whale species, most notably gray whales, migrate to these waters during the summer to feed. The region is home to more than 300 species of fish, including commercially important populations of salmon, herring, cod, flounder, halibut, and pollack.1

Invertebrates and Microscopic Life

The base of the food web consists of floating plant life, primarily diatom algae, which are consumed by small copepods. The continental shelf areas host vast quantities of:1
* Mollusks1
* Echinoderms, such as sea urchins and starfish1
* Barnacles, sponges, marine worms, and various crustaceans1

These organisms thrive in the nutrient-rich environment, supporting the larger marine predators found throughout the region.12