The North Sea is the body of water, contiguous with the global ocean, between the lands of the Northern Water Tribes, the Northern Earth Kingdom, and the Celadon Archipelago, which was formerly inhabited by Air Nomads (and various others).

Trade between the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes via the North Sea is extensive, and, prior to the outbreak of Sozin's wars, the Fire Nation also participated in some of these trade routes. Since Prince-General Iroh moved to secure the Grand Canal system and prevent its resources from reaching Ba Sing Se, there has been extensive Fire Navy activity along the coast of the Northern Earth Kingdom, including invasions and occupations of ports, and sometimes full or partial blockades. This has had a great effect on the composition and extent of the North Sea trade in recent months. However, it has not completely ceased by any means. Northern Water Tribe ships, relying on the trade for their livelihood, have continued to make crossings, even running blockades at times (to varying degrees of success.)

Geography and Climate

The North Sea extends from approximately 50 - 70 degrees north and spans about 130 degrees of longitude, though some geographers use narrower definitions that exclude most of the waters north of the Celadon Archipelago, and others extend it as far north as navigation is practically possible.

The climate of the sea, its islands, and coasts is generally subarctic to arctic, with extensive boreal forests, tundra, and glaciers. (Some more expansive definitions include areas that have humid continental and maritime climates.)

Economic Importance

Besides being a conduit for trade, the sea has extensive natural resources which are of economic importance to humans, especially fish and marine mammals. Invertebrates and seaweeds are also harvested. Some of its tidal flats on the Northern coast of the Earth Kingdom have extensive shellfish beds, which are productive not only of food, but also of pearls and shell. Because of the generally wet climate, guano from seabirds is not mined, and production of salt is mostly by artificial evaporation for local use.

Fire Navy Presence

Lately, the Fire Navy has markedly increased its presence on the North Sea, though the activity is concentrated along the Earth Kingdom coast. Although the attitude of Fire Nation ships towards others has varied with the location, time, and type of ship - fishing boats usually go unmolested and Earth Kingdom coasters remain active in many places - their presence and this variability has acted to discourage crossings. Ships flying the banner of Chenbao appear to be able to make the crossing between their ports in the west and the Northern Water Tribe routinely, supporting the theory that Chenbao has concluded a secret treaty with the Fire Nation.

Piracy

Piracy has often been an issue on the North Sea, especially in times of dynastic weakness in the Earth Kingdom or lessened cohesion among the Water Tribes. The Hundred Years War has seen a corresponding uptick. However, lately, with the diminishment of bluewater trade between the nations, many pirates have turned more to raiding of coastal settlements and smuggling.