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The Benguela Current ecoregion is the most productive upwelling zone in the southeast Atlantic Ocean. The cool Benguela Current flows north along the west coast of South Africa and Namibia. Farther south it meets the warmer Aghulhas Current, which flows east from the Indian Ocean. In the north it interacts with the warmer Angolan Current, which flows south. All of this co-mingling of warm and cold currents causes highly productive upwellings, where water on the bottom of the ocean rises to the surface. This water is rich in nutrients, which support large amounts of phytoplankton, which in turn supports a high diversity of animal life.
Abundant populations of marine mammals, seabirds, and fish live in this highly productive region. The sheltered lagoons and bays that lie along the coast are important resting spots for migratory birds. The waters are alive with Cape horse mackerel, hake, pilchard, anchovy, and rock lobster. Jackass penguins breed along the coast and hunt fish in the nearby waters. Southern right whales and rare and endemic Heaviside's dolphins glide through the ecoregion farther out to sea. Caspian terns and greater and lesser flamingos call this ecoregion home as well.
Species such as pilchards, anchovies, and rock lobsters are over-harvested. Industrial development in harbor areas is also a problem, particularly in Walvis Bay in Namibia. Killing of South African fur seals still occurs occasionally and oil spills threaten the penguins.
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