Final answer:
The neritic zone extends up to 200m deep and facilitates photosynthesis, hosting a diverse range of species and supporting a significant portion of marine life and global fisheries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The neritic zone is a region of the ocean that extends from the low tide mark to the edge of the continental shelf, reaching depths of up to 200 meters (650 feet). It is characterized by well-oxygenated water, stable temperature, low pressure, and sufficient light penetration to allow photosynthesis. This zone has the highest productivity and biodiversity in the ocean, making it vital for the world's fisheries due to the presence of a vast number of species, such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, small fish, and shrimp. While it is difficult to provide a precise percentage of the ocean area that the neritic zone occupies without specific measurements, it is known that this zone, due to its productivity, supports a significant portion of marine life and is critical for global fish catches.