oceanic pelagic zone biome oceanic epipelagic zone biome 2010-03-15T11:21:03Z ENVO ENVO:01000035 ORCID:0000-0002-4366-3088 The oceanic epipelagic zone biome comprises regions of the marine water column that occur offshore, beyond a continental shelf. This biome extends from the surface of the ocean to a depth of ca. 200-250m. Throughout the zone the light field tends to be asymmetrical vertically, so that the direction and elevation of the sun can still be detected. The oceanic epipelagic zone biome encompasses the euphotic zone and, where and when it occurs, the seasonal thermocline.