Definition of Pelagic zone

The pelagic zone is the part of the open sea or ocean that is not near the coast. In contrast, the neritic zone comprises the water that is near to (and is significantly affected by) the coast or the continental shelf. The name is derived from the Greek πέλαγος (pélagos), which might be roughly translated as "sea" but is more accurately translated as "open sea." When used on its own, "pelagic" describes something that exists in the open sea as opposed to inland or coastal waters.