The pelagic division above the continental shelf is distinguished as the neritic province from the pelagic area above the open ocean (abyssal plain, oceanic ridges/rises, and trenches) which is call the oceanic province. Pelagic organisms that can swim relatively well are called nektonic pelagic (or just nektonic) whereas those that cannot swim, or are feeble swimmers, are called planktonic pelagic (or just planktonic)