Western Indo-Pacific (WI)

The Western Indo-Pacific (WI) realm covers the western and central portions of the Indian Ocean. This includes the east coast of Africa, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and island groups such as the Seychelles, Maldives, and Madagascar. It is known for its exceptional marine biodiversity, hosting a significant portion of the world’s coral reefs and associated species. The Red Sea, in particular, exhibits high levels of endemism due to its relative isolation. The realm’s productivity is influenced by seasonal monsoons and localized upwelling events. Its ecosystems range from vast seagrass beds to dense mangroves, providing critical nursery habitats for a wide variety of fish and invertebrates.