The Tasman Sea is a marginal sea of the South Pacific Ocean, situated between Australia and New Zealand. It is approximately 2,000 kilometers wide and is informally known as 'the Ditch' by residents of the two countries. The sea sits on the Lord Howe Rise, an underwater plateau that was once part of the Gondwana supercontinent. The waters are influenced by the East Australian Current and are known for their rough conditions, especially in the 'Roaring Forties' latitudes. It contains several unique volcanic islands, including Lord Howe Island, which has the world's southernmost coral reef. The sea is a critical migratory path for many marine species, including several types of whales and the Great White Shark.