Littoral zone

The littoral zone is the region of a body of water (lake, river, or ocean) that is near the shore.  While there is no exact definition of the zone, in marine systems it is generally considered to extend from the high-water mark to the continental shelf; freshwater systems it is generally considered to be wetland zones where sunlight can still reach rooted plants.  Because of its close association with terrestrial systems, the littoral zone is nutrient rich and highly productive.  Fish in these areas, like coral reef fishes, for example, often become highly specialized feeders because of the diverse and abundant food sources.

littoral zones are nearshore