What percentage of the world's total ocean area is typically classified as shallow water?

The classification of ocean areas into shallow and deep water is essential for understanding marine ecosystems, navigation, and resource management. Typically, it is recognized that shallow water — which is generally defined as water that is less than 200 meters deep — constitutes about eight percent of the total ocean area.

This figure captures a significant amount of coastal and continental shelf regions, which are vital habitats for a diverse array of marine life. Shallow waters are crucial for fisheries, tourism, and other economic activities tied to the ocean. Understanding the proportion of the ocean classified as shallow can help in assessing biodiversity, ocean health, and the impact of human activities.