Arabian Sea

A region of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea is bordered by Somalia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Iran, Oman, Yemen and India.

Fast Facts

1. Where many of the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor took place
2. October to May trade winds blow across the sea
3. Has the saltiest surface water in the Indian Ocean
4. Countries with coastline: India, Yemen, Oman, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Somalia¹
5. Maximum depth: 15,262 feet
6. Maximum width: 1,490 feet
7. Resting place for some of Gandhi's ashes
8. Habitat Type: Tropical Coral
9. Conservation Status: Critical/Endangered
10. Important Branches: Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman

Threatened Ecosystem

The Indian Ocean provides an important trade route both historically and in modern times for shipping various resources, including oil and petroleum products, from the Middle East to other parts of the world. The resulting pollution, combined with destructive fishing practices, mining operations, commercial development and war-related activity have resulted in the destruction of many of the Indian Ocean's delicate marine ecosystems.

Stormy Waters

Monsoons are characteristic of the Arabian Sea and responsible for the yearly cycling of its waters. In summer, strong winds blow from the southwest to the northeast, bringing rain to coastal areas and pulling deeper, nutrient-rich waters to the surface, thus providing rich fishing grounds. During the winter, the winds are milder and blow in the opposite direction, from the northeast to the southwest.

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