Though the oceans are incredibly immense, most sea life is concentrated near the shores, over a narrow ribbon of sea floor called the continental shelf. These flat, shallow extensions of continents continue underwater until the sea bottom turns abruptly downward to form the continental slope. The teeming waters of the continental shelf are home to the bulk of the oceans' vegetation and animal life. These rich undersea terraces are where the vast majority of all fish are caught.

IN THIS EXHIBIT: Georges Bank
Georges Bank is a shallow underwater plateau off the Gulf of Maine. The size of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined, this incredibly fertile area is fed by currents of cold, nutrient-rich water that rise from the deep ocean and sweep over the bank. Parts are covered with sand and mud, while other areas are littered with rocks left by glaciers. Georges Bank was famous for its plentiful fish, lobster and scallops until it was drastically depleted by overfishing.

Once above sea level, Georges Bank was an island until 6,000 years ago, and before then it was part of the mainland. The bones of land animals have been found on Georges Bank. It may even have been inhabited by humans. Today, most of Georges Bank remains under less than 100 meters of water.